Health Sources & Methodology

Resting energy: BMR / RMR

Calculated resting energy uses the Mifflin–St Jeor equation: 10 × weight in kg + 6.25 × height in cm − 5 × age in years, then +5 for the male equation or −161 for the female equation. It estimates energy used at rest; it is not a direct measurement.

When neither equation is selected, StackDaily uses their midpoint (−78). That fallback is an app assumption, not a separately validated equation. A custom or imported resting energy value replaces the estimate when selected in your Health Profile.

Daily energy and goal adjustments

Estimated TDEE multiplies resting energy by your activity setting: 1.2 (sedentary), 1.375 (light), 1.55 (moderate), 1.725 (active), or 1.9 (very active, where available). A custom TDEE uses the number you enter. Your chosen deficit or surplus then adjusts that starting point.

These multipliers and goal presets are app planning assumptions, not recommendations from the resting-energy study. A calorie floor in a calculator does not establish a safe intake for you. A displayed weekly weight-change estimate uses a simplified 3,500-calorie-per-pound rule; actual weight change is not linear or guaranteed.

NIDDK provides a different, dynamic planning model and explains its intended users and limitations. StackDaily does not implement or claim validation by that model.

Precise Mode and device data

Precise Mode is the name of a planning feature, not a claim of medical accuracy. It adds your selected resting energy, estimated step energy and logged activity energy, then applies your goal adjustment. The step estimate is 0.25 × body weight in pounds per 1,000 steps, an app approximation. Activity steps are excluded from the separate step credit to avoid counting the same activity twice.

During the day, the plan uses the greater of planned and counted steps; the closed day uses counted steps. Imported device estimates, manually entered values and app estimates have different sources and uncertainty. They are not all measured values.

Macros and custom targets

Macro presets divide your calorie target into protein, carbohydrate and fat using 4, 4 and 9 calories per gram respectively. Preset percentages and Precise Mode protein, fat and fiber settings are editable planning templates, not universal minimums or a prescription. Custom targets are values you enter.

Dietary Reference Intakes vary by age and sex, and individual needs can differ. The reference below explains those standards; it does not endorse StackDaily’s preset splits.