Body weight simulator

-
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



Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Do you struggle with pre and post exercise nutrition?

-
Image
What should i eat before and after a workout? First things first…carbohydrates, proteins and fats are important for the body before  and after exercise. Exercising muscle preferentially uses carbohydrates from stored glycogen, but fats are also an important fuel source for energy production during exercise. Fats and carbohydrates are the two major fuel sources during exercise. Fats must be translocated and broken down from their storage form before they are used. Typically there is enough carbohydrate stored as muscle glycogen for exercise but as muscle glycogen stores decline, the skeletal muscle will then use some amino acids (basic components of all protein). More specifically, the amino acid leucine is used for energy.              It is important to consume an adequate amount of carbohydrates exercise to delay fatigue and minimize gastrointestinal distress. It is also important to consume enough fluids to prev...
Read more

Child Malnutrition

-
New approach to childhood malnutrition may reduce relapses, deaths http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2015/02/150211124024.htm               Moderate acute malnutrition is experienced by 35 million children worldwide. A new study led by researchers from Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis has suggested that feeding children until they have met target measures of arm circumference and weight may be more important than a set 12 week feeding time. However, researchers have found that the current targets, set by the World Health Organization (WHO) may not be sufficient and raising these targets slightly could significantly reduce the risk of relapse in malnourished children; a condition that has a 37% relapse rate. The study took place in rural Malawi and was comprised of 2,349 moderately malnourished children aged 6 months to 5 years old. Children were evaluated 12 months after treatment; 1,967 rec...
Read more

Harvest of the Month

-
Image
Harvest of the Month  August – Corn Good source of  fiber Carbohydrate source for energy Antioxidants Contains vitamins and minerals ½ cup or 1 ear = 80 calories   http://www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?tname=foodspice&dbid=90 September – Watermelon High in vitamin A and vitamin C Antioxidants and anti-inflammatory support 1 cup cubed = 46 calories http://www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?tname=foodspice&dbid=31 October – Apples High in fiber Vitamin C Abundant amount of antioxidants 1 medium = 95 calories  http://www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?tname=foodspice&dbid=15 November – Squash and Pumpkin High in vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin K, vitamin B2, B3 & B6 Many minerals  High in fiber Multiple antioxidant properties  1 cup = 76 calories  http://www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?tname=foodspice&dbid=63 Decembe...
Read more