The Harris Benedict Equation was created in 1919, it is a formula that uses your BMR and then applies an activity factor to determine your approximate total daily energy expenditure. Use the info below to calculate your actual BMR based on your personal activity.
If you:
- are sedentary - little or no exercise, desk job - multiply your BMR by 1.2
- are lightly active - light exercise/sports 1-3 days per week - multiply your BMR by 1.375
- are moderately active - moderate exercise/sports 3-5 days per week - multiply your BMR by 1.55
- take heavy exercise - hard exercise/sports 6-7 days per week - multiply your BMR by 1.725
Limitations
The Harris Benedict Equation does have a couple of limitations. Lean body mass is a factor which is omitted and leaner bodies need more calories than less leaner ones. Therefore, this equation will be accurate in all but the very muscular (under-estimates calorie needs) and the very fat (over-estimates calorie needs).
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