1. What is the Schofield Equation?

Definition: The Schofield equation is a predictive formula for calculating basal metabolic rate (BMR) based on gender, weight, height, and age.

Purpose: It helps estimate the minimum calories needed to maintain basic physiological functions at rest.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the formula:

Where:

• \( BMR \) — Basal metabolic rate (kcal/day)
• \( k \) — Constant (kcal/day)
• \( a \) — 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 anthropometric measurements with gender-specific coefficients to estimate energy expenditure at rest.

3. Importance of BMR Calculation

Details: Knowing your BMR helps in weight management, nutritional planning, and understanding your body's energy needs.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Select your gender, enter your weight in kg, height in cm, and age in years. All values must be positive numbers.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Why are there different equations for males and females?
A: Men and women have different body compositions and metabolic rates, requiring gender-specific coefficients.

Q2: How accurate is the Schofield equation?
A: It provides a good estimate (±10%) for most healthy adults but may be less accurate for extreme body types.

Q3: What affects BMR besides weight, height, and age?
A: Muscle mass, genetics, hormones, body temperature, and environmental factors can influence BMR.

Q4: Should I eat exactly my BMR in calories?
A: No, BMR is just the baseline. Total daily energy expenditure includes activity and should guide calorie intake.

Q5: How often should I recalculate my BMR?
A: Recalculate after significant weight changes (±5 kg) or annually to account for aging.