How to Calculate Calories Burned

When exercising, calories are burned, but how much exactly? How can it be calculated? In today's world, there is a lot of information available online, and one well-known method is to calculate it using the METs table. But what exactly are METs? Not many people fully understand how to calculate calorie burn using METs. This article will explain what METs are, how to use them to calculate calorie burn, and how to make use of this information.

1. What are METs?

2. Calculating Calories Burned Using METs

To calculate the calories burned using METs, you need to know the MET value of the activity, your weight in kilograms, and the duration of the activity in hours. The formula is:
Calories burned = (MET value -1) × weight (kg) × duration (hours) × 1.05
For example, if you weigh 70 kg and run (8 METs) for 1 hour, the calories burned would be:
Calories burned = (8 - 1) × 70 × 1 × 1.05 = 515 kcal
This method allows you to estimate the calorie burn for different activities accurately.
Note that by subtracting 1 MET, we are accounting for the calories burned at rest (BMR), ensuring that the calculation reflects only the additional calories burned due to the activity.

3. Beyond METs: Total Daily Calorie Burn

Calculating calorie burn using METs is useful for estimating the calories burned during specific activities. However, your total daily calorie burn also includes your Basal Metabolic Rate (BMR) and the Thermic Effect of Food (TEF). For a complete understanding of your daily calorie burn, consider these factors as well.

4. Practical Application

Knowing your daily calorie burn is vital for maintaining health. Using METs to estimate calorie burn helps you understand how much energy you use during different activities. However, manually tracking this can be time-consuming. Wellness Mons simplifies this process by automatically calculating and tracking your daily calorie intake and expenditure based on your input. The app also provides personalized recommendations for daily calorie intake and expenditure to help you achieve your goals. If you've struggled with sticking to your goals in the past, our app also includes a feature to nurture a virtual monster, which grows based on your progress and goals. Enjoy achieving your ideal body while having fun with your monster!

In conclusion, using METs to calculate calories burned provides a reliable estimate of the energy expenditure for various activities. Understanding your daily calorie burn is crucial for effective weight management and overall health.