Question: How accurate are online TDEE/BMR calculators?

CoffeeandCats2
CoffeeandCats2 Posts: 49 Member
edited December 2024 in Health and Weight Loss
I'm paranoid if I have a lower metabolism and could be having too many calories. Are those calculators pretty accurate?

Replies

  • RoxieDawn
    RoxieDawn Posts: 15,488 Member
    edited July 2016
    Yes the online calculators are pretty accurate. Care to tell us what is your concern with the paranoia that you have a low metabolism or better yet your hormones are not working accordingly?

    A person just does not get a lower metabolism, usually there are hormonal issues.

    If you believe that you have some sort of metabolic disorder, you should get blood work done, preferably your thyroid (TSH, T4, complete comprehensive metabolic panel) and additional tests your doctor may order. A 15 minute blood test can only ease your mind.
  • Purplebunnysarah
    Purplebunnysarah Posts: 3,252 Member
    They're a good starting point. What matters most is that you are consistent when tracking and measuring. Try their recommendations for 4-6 weeks. If your weight is within 25% of what the calculator predicted AND you are consistent with meeting your target calorie goal I would say it's pretty accurate. If you go over all the times you of course won't reach your goal and if you are under all the time you will lose too quickly.

    The calculators work for most people, relatively well. Once you have followed guidelines for 6 weeks you can assess your actual rate of loss and tweak your calories by 50-100/day in either direction.

    The most likely cause of gain is to wonky metabolism, it's wonky measuring...
  • CoffeeandCats2
    CoffeeandCats2 Posts: 49 Member
    Ooh OK, I am just starting my weight loss journey so it's something that I thought of since I have heard stuff about metabolism before. That is reassuring :) By the way, how long does it take for the calories to convert into weight loss? Say if you had a calorie deficit of, 500 calories, when would that actually result in weight loss? Sorry if these seem obvious to some people but I'm just starting out :)
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