1. What is the Calories Burned Equation?

The calories burned equation estimates the number of calories expended during physical activity based on the Metabolic Equivalent of Task (MET) value, body weight, and exercise duration. This calculation helps individuals track their energy expenditure for fitness and weight management purposes.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the calories burned equation:

Where:

• \( MET \) — Metabolic Equivalent of Task (unitless)
• \( Weight \) — Body weight in kilograms (kg)
• \( Time \) — Exercise duration in minutes (min)
• \( Calories \) — Energy expended in kilocalories (kcal)

Explanation: The equation calculates energy expenditure by multiplying the MET value (which represents exercise intensity) by body weight and exercise duration, with appropriate unit conversions.

3. Importance of Calculating Calories Burned

Details: Tracking calories burned is essential for weight management, exercise programming, and understanding the energy cost of different activities. It helps individuals balance energy intake and expenditure for achieving fitness goals.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter MET value (typically ranges from 1-12+ depending on activity intensity), weight in kilograms, and exercise time in minutes. All values must be valid positive numbers.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is a MET value?
A: MET (Metabolic Equivalent of Task) is a unit that represents the energy cost of physical activities. One MET is defined as the energy expenditure while sitting at rest.

Q2: How accurate is this calculation?
A: This provides a reasonable estimate for most people, but individual variations in metabolism, fitness level, and body composition can affect actual calorie expenditure.

Q3: Where can I find MET values for different activities?
A: MET values are available in compendiums of physical activities, fitness apps, and exercise equipment. Common examples: walking (3-5 MET), running (8-12 MET), cycling (6-10 MET).

Q4: Why divide by 60 in the formula?
A: The division by 60 converts the calculation from calories per minute to the total for the exercise duration, as MET values are typically expressed per minute.

Q5: Can I use this for weight loss planning?
A: Yes, this calculation can help estimate exercise energy expenditure for creating a calorie deficit, though dietary changes are typically more impactful for weight loss.