Body weight simulator

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Webb, D. (2014, November). Farewell to the 3,500 calorie rule. Today’s Dietitian, 26(11), 36.
Retrieved from http://www.todaysdietitian.com/newarchives/111114p36.shtml

Researchers have developed a new mathematical formula for weight loss, replacing the typical weight loss rule of “burn more calories than you consume.”  Rule of thumb that every dietitian has been taught since its establishment in 1958, is that cutting food intake by 500 calories per day, for a total of 3,500 calories per week, results in a one-pound weight loss. 
Although this rule works fairly well for individuals wanting to lose a few pounds, it’s not as effective for those aiming to lose a significant amount because it doesn’t take into account gender, physical activity, lifestyle changes, or changes in energy balance. 

The new formula, Body Weight Simulator, factors in the decline in metabolic rate that occurs when body mass decreases.  It can be found at www.niddk.nih.gov/research-funding/at-niddk/labs-branches/LBM/integrative-physiology-section/body-weight-simulator/Pages/body-weight-simulator.aspx.

In my opinion, this mathematical formula is nothing new.  It takes into account age, weight, height, sex, and physical activity level to determine calorie needs, something each one of us has calculated by hand.  It asks for a goal weight and date you would like to achieve that weight by, then calculates a new calorie recommendation based on your goal.  It also calculates an additional activity level to help you achieve your goal.  The last page provides links to the USDA SuperTracker, MyPlan, and Food Tracker web pages. 


-AC



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