if everyday were like today........

Ha! I wish I could concur but my days fluctuate - some days I'm in the green - some in the red.

This is a good thread about logging accuracy:

http://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/discussion/10348650/cico-still-skeptical-come-inside-for-a-meticulous-log-that-proves-it/p1

I actually put a note in my calendar for 5 weeks from now saying "Do you weigh ____??" Haha. I'll report back.

luciemarieleduc wrote: »

Hi MFpals,

so am fairly new here, and am loving the energy and the people, the vibes, and the logging. ( ok, easier to say I am loving it all so far...)

question ,

when you log you daily food, and finalize it for the day, or complete the food logging, ( sorry I forgot how they properly call that)

anyway, when you finalize it, it always says this
If everyday were like today, you would weight" blablabla" in 5 weeks.

did any of you , who actually lost weight can confirm that it is somewhat accurate?

I expect the "If everyday were like today, you would weight" blablabla" in 5 weeks." to be WILDLY inaccurate.

Just a note on how it is calculated.

Calculated BMR (basal metabolic rate) is a simple formula based on height, weight, age and gender.

Take your calculated BMR and multiply by your stated activity level (1.2 sedentary to 1.8 super active) to get anticipated calories burned per day.

Note: this is an estimate as there a lot of things that can affect metabolic rate.

Next, take the number of calories consumed in the finalized day. Add the anticipated calories burned per day (from BMR) and you get the daily calorie deficit or surplus.

Multiply this deficit (or surplus) by 35 and you get the projected calorie change over 5 weeks.

Fat provides a certain number of calories (3,500 calories per pound or 37,000 kilojoules per kilogram). Burn that number of calories over any period of time and that fat should be consumed.

So your calorie change over 5 weeks can be used to determine expected weight change.


Expected weight change is only a very rough guide.
- You will seldom eat the same calorie count every day.
- Calculated BMR is almost always wrong (often slightly, sometimes wildly)
- Activity level in BMR s a constant (and daily activity never is)
- Metabolism makes adjustment over time (it can get used to a lower calorie intake)
- Your body can consume calorie.deficit from sources other than fat.
- The calculation ignores the energy required to consume foods (some are easier to digest and convert into energy than others)

Since there are so many factors involved, your best guide is to track your progress over time. You can then work out what your actual calorie consumption will need to be. Without tracking (recording and reviewing), your chances of making any goal are slim to none.

There is no one size fits all in this weight management game.


In short, since your mileage may vary. track your mileage.

I wouldn't get hung up on the in 5 weeks statement. Take it more as compliment that you had a good day or a reprimand that you didn't do so well. My days fluctuate and I've lost 20+ lbs since the beginning of the year. I've had far more good days. Currently I'm more in a maintenance position after reaching my goal. Just try to get that good acknowledgement everyday and you will be on the right track.

Sometimes it is, sometimes not so much. I use it as a motivator, when I first saw I could be my goal weight in five weeks I was all smiles!!

I actually just tried this. I reached the number 5 days after the 5 week guesstimate. I'm surprised it was that close and really expected it to be way off. I don't put too much thought into that, it was for fun for me to see.