1. What is the Harris-Benedict Equation?

The Harris-Benedict Equation is a formula used to estimate basal metabolic rate (BMR) or resting metabolic rate (RMR), which represents the number of calories your body needs to perform basic life-sustaining functions at rest.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the Harris-Benedict equation:

Where:

• \( w \) — Weight in kilograms (kg)
• \( h \) — Height in centimeters (cm)
• \( a \) — Age in years
• \( s \) — Sex factor (+5 for males, -161 for females)

Explanation: The equation estimates your body's energy expenditure at complete rest, accounting for your body size, age, and sex.

3. Importance of RMR Calculation

Details: Knowing your RMR is essential for creating effective nutrition plans, whether for weight loss, maintenance, or gain. It serves as the foundation for determining your total daily energy needs.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter your weight in kg, height in cm, age in years, and select your gender. All values must be valid (weight > 0, height > 0, age between 1-120).

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What's the difference between BMR and RMR?
A: BMR (Basal Metabolic Rate) measures calories burned at complete rest in a fasted state, while RMR (Resting Metabolic Rate) is measured under less restrictive conditions and is typically slightly higher.

Q2: How accurate is the Harris-Benedict equation?
A: It provides a reasonable estimate for most people but may be less accurate for those with very high or very low body fat percentages or extreme muscle mass.

Q3: Should I use this for weight loss planning?
A: Yes, but remember this is just your resting metabolism. You'll need to factor in your activity level to determine your total daily energy expenditure.

Q4: Why are there different equations for men and women?
A: Men typically have higher muscle mass and lower body fat percentages than women, which affects metabolic rate. The different constants account for these physiological differences.

Q5: How often should I recalculate my RMR?
A: You should recalculate whenever your weight changes significantly (more than 5kg) or annually as you age, since metabolism naturally slows with age.