Frequently Asked Questions

What is TDEE?

TDEE (Total Daily Energy Expenditure) is the total number of calories your body burns in a day. This includes your basal metabolic rate (BMR) plus calories burned through physical activity and digesting food.

How accurate is this calculator?

Our calculator uses the Mifflin-St Jeor equation, which is considered the most accurate formula available for calculating BMR. However, remember that all calculators provide estimates, and your actual TDEE may vary based on individual factors.

What is BMR?

BMR (Basal Metabolic Rate) is the number of calories your body burns at rest to maintain basic life functions like breathing, circulating blood, and maintaining organ functions. It represents about 60-75% of your total daily calorie expenditure.

How should I use these results for weight loss?

For weight loss, create a caloric deficit by consuming fewer calories than your TDEE: • Moderate weight loss: Eat 500 calories below TDEE (lose ~1 lb/week) • Aggressive weight loss: Eat 1000 calories below TDEE (lose ~2 lbs/week) Never go below 1200 calories for women or 1500 calories for men without medical supervision.

What are macronutrients?

Macronutrients (macros) are the three main nutrients your body needs in large quantities: • Protein: 4 calories per gram - Essential for muscle maintenance and growth • Carbohydrates: 4 calories per gram - Primary energy source • Fats: 9 calories per gram - Important for hormone production and nutrient absorption

How often should I recalculate my TDEE?

It's recommended to recalculate your TDEE: • Every 10-15 pounds of weight loss/gain • When your activity level changes significantly • Every 3-6 months as a general check-in

Why do I need to enter my body fat percentage?

Body fat percentage is optional but helps provide more accurate calculations, especially for people with higher muscle mass. Athletes and bodybuilders often get more accurate results when including this information.

What activity level should I choose?

Choose your activity level based on your typical week: • Sedentary: Office job, little to no exercise • Light Exercise: 1-2 days per week of moderate activity • Moderate Exercise: 3-5 days per week of moderate activity • Heavy Exercise: 6-7 days per week of intense activity • Athlete: Very intense exercise daily or twice daily When in doubt, it's better to underestimate your activity level.

How does the AI Food Calorie Analyzer work?

Our AI-powered food analyzer uses advanced computer vision and machine learning to: • Identify food items from uploaded images • Estimate portion sizes • Calculate nutritional content including calories, proteins, carbs, and fats • Provide detailed nutritional analysis in real-time

How accurate is the AI food analysis?

The AI food analysis provides estimates with approximately 80-90% accuracy for common foods. Factors that can affect accuracy include: • Image quality and lighting • Angle of the photo • Portion size visibility • Food preparation method For best results, take clear, well-lit photos from directly above the food.

What types of food can the AI analyze?

The AI can recognize and analyze most common foods including: • Fruits and vegetables • Meats and proteins • Grains and starches • Prepared meals and dishes • Snacks and desserts The system is continuously learning and improving its food recognition capabilities.

Can I analyze multiple foods in one image?

Yes, the AI can analyze multiple food items in a single image. For best results: • Ensure all items are clearly visible • Avoid overlapping foods • Use good lighting • Include common objects for size reference The system will provide nutritional information for each identified food item.

What nutritional information is provided?

For each analyzed food, you'll receive: • Total calories • Macronutrients (proteins, carbs, fats) • Portion size estimates • Food item identification • Brief description of the food This information helps you make informed decisions about your diet and nutrition.

How can I get the most accurate results?

To maximize accuracy: • Take clear, well-lit photos • Capture food from directly above • Include all items in the frame • Use a white or neutral background • Avoid shadows and glare • Include size references when possible

Is my food image data private?

Yes, we take your privacy seriously: • All uploaded images are processed securely • Images are not stored permanently • Data is encrypted during transmission • We don't share your data with third parties • You can delete your data at any time

Can I use the analyzer for meal planning?

Absolutely! The AI Food Calorie Analyzer is great for meal planning: • Track daily caloric intake • Monitor macronutrient balance • Create meal plans • Adjust portions based on your TDEE • Keep a visual food diary Combine it with your TDEE calculations for optimal results.

Ready to Calculate Your TDEE?

Use our calculator to find out how many calories you burn daily and get personalized recommendations for your goals.

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