1. What is the Maintenance Calories Formula?

The Maintenance Calories formula calculates the daily caloric needs for teens to maintain their current weight. It is derived by multiplying the Basal Metabolic Rate (BMR) by an appropriate activity factor based on physical activity level.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the Maintenance Calories formula:

Where:

• \( \text{BMR} \) — Basal Metabolic Rate (kcal/day)
• \( \text{Activity Factor} \) — Multiplier based on activity level (dimensionless)

Explanation: The formula accounts for the energy expended at rest (BMR) and multiplies it by a factor that represents daily physical activity to estimate total daily energy expenditure.

3. Importance of Maintenance Calories Calculation

Details: Accurate maintenance calories estimation is crucial for teens to support growth, development, and overall health while maintaining energy balance and appropriate weight.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter BMR in kcal/day and appropriate activity factor. All values must be valid (BMR > 0, Activity Factor > 0).

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is BMR and how is it calculated?
A: Basal Metabolic Rate (BMR) is the number of calories your body needs at rest. It can be estimated using formulas like Mifflin-St Jeor or Harris-Benedict equations.

Q2: What are typical activity factor values?
A: Common values range from 1.2 (sedentary) to 1.9 (very active). Specific values should be chosen based on individual activity levels.

Q3: Why is this calculation important for teens?
A: Teens have unique nutritional needs due to growth and development. Accurate calorie estimation helps ensure they get adequate nutrition without excessive weight gain.

Q4: Are there limitations to this calculation?
A: Individual variations in metabolism, body composition, and activity patterns may affect accuracy. This should be used as a starting point rather than an exact prescription.

Q5: How often should maintenance calories be recalculated?
A: Recalculate periodically as weight, activity levels, and growth patterns change, typically every few months during teenage years.