Less Me  

The Harris Benedict equation is a calorie formula using the variables of height, weight, age, and gender to calculate basal metabolic rate (BMR). This is more accurate than calculating calorie needs based on total body weight alone. The only factor it omits is lean body mass and thus the ratio of muscle-to-fat a body has.

Remember, leaner bodies need more calories than less leaner ones. Therefore, this equation will be very accurate in all but the very muscular (Harris Benedict will underestimate calorie needs) and the very fat (Harris Benedict will over-estimate calorie needs).

Harris Benedict formula for Women – STEP 1

BMR calculation for women BMR = 655 + ( 4.35 x weight in pounds ) + ( 4.7 x height in inches ) – ( 4.7 x age in years )

Example of BMR
You are 48 years old, 5 feet 7 inches tall, your starting weight is 185 pounds.  Your goal weight is 150 pounds.

Using the harris benedict formula for women at 185lbs: 655 + (4.35X185) + (4.7X67) – (4.7X48) => Your BMR is 1966 calories.

Using the harris benedict formula for women at 150lbs: 655 + (4.35X150) + (4.7X67) – (4.7X48) => Your BMR is 1815 calories.

Harris Benedict Formula for Women: step 2

To determine your total daily calorie needs, multiply your BMR by the appropriate activity factor, as followed:
·    If you are Sedentary – little or no exercise
Calorie-Calculation = BMR X 1.2
·    If you are Lightly Active (light exercise/sports 1-3 days/week)
Calorie-Calculation = BMR X 1.375
·    If you are Moderately Active (moderate exercise/sports 3-5 days/week)
Calorie-Calculation = BMR X 1.55
·    If you are Very Active = BMR X 1.725 (hard exercise/sports 6-7 days/week)
Calorie-Calculation = BMR X 1.725
·    If you are Extra Active (very hard daily exercise/sports & physical job or 2X day training)
Calorie-Calculation = BMR X 1.9

There are 3500 calories in 1lb of body fat. Using the Harris Benedict Principle, if someone has a daily allowance of 2500 calories, but they reduce their intake to 2000, then the calculations show a 1 pound loss every 7 days.