1. What is the Schofield Calculation?

Definition: The Schofield equation estimates Basal Metabolic Rate (BMR), which is the number of calories your body needs at complete rest to maintain basic functions.

Purpose: It helps nutritionists, dietitians, and individuals determine daily caloric needs for weight maintenance, loss, or gain.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the Schofield equation:

Where:

• \( BMR \) — Basal Metabolic Rate (kcal/day)
• \( k \) — Constant (gender/age-specific)
• \( a \) — Weight coefficient (kcal/kg)
• \( W \) — Weight (kg)
• \( b \) — Height coefficient (kcal/cm)
• \( H \) — Height (cm)
• \( c \) — Age coefficient (kcal/year)
• \( A \) — Age (years)

Explanation: The equation combines gender-specific constants with weight, height, and age factors to estimate resting energy expenditure.

3. Importance of BMR Calculation

Details: Knowing your BMR is essential for creating personalized nutrition plans, managing weight, and understanding metabolic health.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Select your gender, enter your age in years, weight in kg, and height in cm. The calculator will use appropriate coefficients based on your demographic.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: How accurate is the Schofield equation?
A: It provides a good estimate (±10%) for most people but may be less accurate for very muscular or obese individuals.

Q2: Should I use this for weight loss planning?
A: Yes, but remember this is just your BMR. Multiply by an activity factor to get total daily energy expenditure (TDEE).

Q3: Why are there different coefficients for different ages?
A: Metabolism changes with age, generally slowing down as we get older.

Q4: How often should I recalculate my BMR?
A: Recalculate after significant weight changes (5+ kg) or every year as you age.

Q5: What's the difference between BMR and RMR?
A: They're similar but measured differently. BMR is stricter (complete rest), while RMR includes minimal activity.