Why is my calorie target lower than my BMR?

MelissaSD

I just signed up and entered my info. It is telling me that my BMR is 1448 calories, yet my target for each day is 1237 calories.

This is my first time using this app, but definitely not my first rodeo in terms of calorie tracking. I have never heard of eating fewer calories than your BMR before. To go under my BMR by 200+ calories a day seems very low and unhealthy. I know a deficit is needed for weight loss, but is it really supposed to be that extreme?

Can I please have some clarification on why it calculates that way? And if it isn’t correct, how can it be adjusted so I can track properly?

Thank you!

Karen_Cronometer

Hi MelissaSD,

Follow these steps to change your weight loss goal:

Web: select the Profile tab. In the Weight Goal section, you can find the options from the drop-down list just under the graph.

Mobile: from the diary page, tap on the Targets icon at the top of the screen. Tap Settings in the top right corner. Under the Weight Goal heading, tap beside weight goal to bring up the list of options to choose from.

I hope that helps!

Karen_Cronometer

Hi MelissaSD,

The calorie deficit will be calculated from the weight loss goal that you have chosen. For example, to lose 1 lb per week requires a calorie deficit of roughly 3500 per week, which is about 500 kcal deficit per day to achieve. To keep your calorie target above your BMR, choose a more moderate weight loss goal in your Profile tab.

Best,

MelissaSD

Hi Karen,

I was never given an option of selecting a goal weight. I was only able to choose lose, maintain, or gain. I have looked everywhere and cannot see a place to update that info. I only want to lose 10 pounds. Is there another way to change the calorie goal?

MelissaSD

That did help, thank you!!

Susan_RD_101

@MelissaSD

Also, you are right! I don't ever want individuals to eat less than their BMR; doing so can have a negative impact on metabolism. Treat this as your minimum calorie target.

Kind regards,