What is TDEE (Total Daily Energy Expenditure)?

energy Obesity

Definition

TDEE (Total Daily Energy Expenditure) is the total number of calories your body burns per day including activity, exercise, NEAT, and BMR/RMR.

Explanation

  • TDEE provides an estimated calorie target for weight maintenance by accounting for all the variables that raise your metabolic rate.
  • It is calculated by adding your basal metabolic rate or resting metabolic rate to the average calories burned through daily movement and workouts.
  • Use TDEE to determine a moderate caloric deficit for fat loss or surplus for muscle gain based on fitness objectives.
  • TDEE calculators provide a starting point but individuals vary. Adjust targets based on weight changes and energy levels.

Examples

  • Small female with a 1300 calorie RMR plus 300 calories burned through daily activity and workouts = 1600 TDEE.
  • Large male with a 1900 RMR plus 500 calories burned through his daily routine and exercise = 2400 TDEE.

Related Terms

  • BMR, RMR, maintenance calories, activity multipliers, metabolic rate

Common Questions

  • How often should I recalculate my TDEE? Monthly or whenever weight loss stalls or unintended gain occurs.
  • Does more activity mean I can eat much more? A 200-300 calorie surplus maximizes muscle growth – excessive calories still convert to fat.

Do Not Confuse With

  • BMR – Only the resting metabolic rate without activity expenditure included.
56 / 100

Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe to our free newsletter

!