1. What is a Calorie Deficit Calculator?

Definition: This calculator determines your daily calorie deficit based on NIH formulas by comparing your total energy expenditure with your caloric intake.

Purpose: It helps individuals understand their energy balance for weight management according to National Institutes of Health guidelines.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the formula:

Where:

• \( \text{Deficit} \) — Daily calorie deficit (kcal)
• \( \text{TDEE} \) — Total Daily Energy Expenditure (kcal)
• \( \text{Caloric Intake} \) — Calories consumed (kcal)

Explanation: A positive deficit indicates weight loss potential, while a negative value suggests weight gain.

3. Importance of Calorie Deficit Calculation

Details: NIH recommends a 500-1000 kcal/day deficit for safe, sustainable weight loss of 1-2 pounds per week.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter your calculated TDEE (from NIH equations) and your actual daily calorie intake. Both values must be > 0.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: How do I calculate my TDEE?
A: Use NIH equations that account for basal metabolic rate and activity level factors.

Q2: Is a larger deficit better?
A: NIH recommends against deficits >1000 kcal/day without medical supervision to prevent muscle loss and nutrient deficiencies.

Q3: How accurate is this calculator?
A: It provides estimates based on NIH formulas. Individual results may vary based on metabolism and other factors.

Q4: Can I use this for weight gain?
A: Yes, a negative deficit indicates you're consuming more calories than you expend.

Q5: How often should I recalculate?
A: Reassess every 4-6 weeks as weight changes affect TDEE, or if activity levels change significantly.