Navigating health calculators can be confusing. Here's a breakdown of the three most important metrics used by fitness professionals.
BMI is a simple calculation using your height and weight. It is used to screen for weight categories that may lead to health problems. However, it does not directly measure body fat or muscle mass.
Your BMR is the number of calories your body burns just to stay alive while at rest (breathing, circulating blood, cell production). It represents about 60-75% of your daily energy expenditure.
TDEE is the total number of calories you burn in a day, including physical activity. To lose weight, you should consume fewer calories than your TDEE; to gain weight, you consume more.