Health Sources & Methodology
Calorie and nutrition targets are estimates for general wellness, not medical advice. Check with a doctor or registered dietitian before making medical decisions or changing your diet for a health condition. These estimates are not designed for children, pregnancy or breastfeeding.
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.
Mifflin et al. (1990), American Journal of Clinical Nutrition — resting energy equation (opens in a new browser window)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.
NIDDK — Body Weight Planner and limitations (opens in a new browser window)Device data
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 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.
NIH Office of Dietary Supplements — Nutrient Recommendations and Dietary Reference Intakes (opens in a new browser window)