A sensible deficit
Eating about 500 calories a day below maintenance leads to roughly 0.5 kg (1 lb) of weight loss a week. The tool never suggests going below 1,200 (women) or 1,500 (men) calories a day.
Estimate how many calories you need each day to maintain, lose or gain weight.
Calories to maintain your weight
1,884 kcal
per day
Calculation
BMR = 10 × kg + 6.25 × cm − 5 × age − 161 (Mifflin–St Jeor)
An estimate for healthy adults — individual needs vary. Not for pregnancy or medical conditions; ask a doctor or dietitian before big changes to what you eat.
Last reviewed by the OnlineToolPro team
Estimates your daily energy needs using the Mifflin–St Jeor equation: your basal metabolic rate (BMR) multiplied by your activity level gives the calories to maintain your weight (TDEE), plus targets for gentle weight loss or gain.
How it works
3 simple steps. No experience needed.
Good to know
Eating about 500 calories a day below maintenance leads to roughly 0.5 kg (1 lb) of weight loss a week. The tool never suggests going below 1,200 (women) or 1,500 (men) calories a day.
FAQ
BMR is what your body burns at complete rest. TDEE (total daily energy expenditure) adds everything you do in a day, so it's the number to eat to keep your weight steady.
The Mifflin–St Jeor equation is one of the most reliable estimates for adults, but individuals can differ by 10% or more. Track your weight for a few weeks and adjust.
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