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Fitbit Calories In Vs Out (What Does It Mean?)

Calories in vs calories out data is more important to Fitbit users who are much into maintaining, losing, and gaining weight.

What do Calories In And Calories Out Mean On Fitbit?

“Calories in vs calories out” refers to the number of calories you consume from food (calories in) and the number of calories you burn through physical activity (calories out). Your body burns calories through three main processes: basic metabolism, digestion, and physical activity.

Basic metabolic rate (BMR) ensures that your body receives the necessary calories to perform functions like heartbeat and digestion. Any remaining calories are used to power your physical activities such as walking, running, cycling, doing household chores, and working out. To lose weight, it is important to maintain a calorie deficit.

How Does Fitbit Monitor Calorie Intake And Outtake

Fitbit uses a system that compares the calories consumed by its users to the calories burned to help them achieve their calorie deficit goals. This system takes into account several factors, such as the time of day, the number of calories consumed, the calorie deficit, and the number of calories burned through physical activity.

How Does Fitbit Calculate Your Calorie Target?

To create a food plan using the Fitbit app or Fitbit.com dashboard, you will need to input your targeted weight and your current weight. You will also need to choose a planned intensity level, which can be easier, medium, kind of hard, or harder.

The planned intensity level you select will determine how aggressively Fitbit sets your calorie deficit. Essentially, this means the number of calories you need to either lose or maintain your weight.

To calculate this, Fitbit uses the rule of one pound of fat equals 3,500 calories. This means that to lose weight, you will need to burn 3,500 calories or consume 3,500 fewer calories every week. If you prefer, you can also set your calorie burn target manually.

Understanding Calorie Burn Estimate

It’s important to note that choosing an intensity level does not guarantee a fixed calorie target. While this may seem like an easy way to control weight, it is not the most effective method. This is because the calorie deficit remains the key number, and it does not change. Unlike calorie deficit, calorie target fluctuates with levels of activity.

Assuming your Fitbit is regularly synced, your daily calorie estimate will be updated throughout the day. If you log a killer workout, your calorie estimate for the day may increase. Conversely, if you spend more time inactive or seated, Fitbit will suggest eating less to stay within the goal zone.

How Accurate Are Calories In and Calories Out On Fitbit?

Fitbit and other calorie counters are not 100% accurate in tracking calorie intake and output. 

In 2017, the Fitbit Surge gave a median error of 27% when counting calories burned. Although 27% may seem like a lot, the Surge is one of the most accurate Fitbit models for tracking calories burned. 

Other smartwatches tested in the study included the Mio Alpha 2, Samsung Gear S2, Apple Watch, Microsoft Band, Basis Pulse, and PulseOn. Years later, the study was done with the Fitbit Charge as the test subject. 

Fitbit Charge estimated calorie burn while walking and jogging with a median error of 53.5% and 4.3%, respectively. To get accurate results on Fitbit it’s important to input your age, height, gender, and weight since these factors significantly affect calorie input and output. 

Stanford University has developed a wearable that claims to be much better at calculating calories burned than Fitbit. Unlike Fitbit, this smartwatch is worn on the leg, which is more involved in movements than the wrist. 

The Stanford smartwatch features two sensors and is ideal for athletes but not necessarily for the average consumer. Although Fitbits are not always 100% accurate in counting calories, they are still useful until better wearables are developed.

Why Does My Fitbit Tell Me I’ve Burned So Many Calories?

Fitbit resets calorie data at midnight. The number of calories displayed on the Fitbit app or website when you wake up is an approximation of the calories burned so far that day.

Is Fitbit Accurate About Calories Burned?

Fitbit trackers are accurate in calculating calories burned running, with only a 4% estimation error, which is impressive. However, the Fitbit Charge 3 is not 100% accurate in monitoring calories burned while walking, with some models overestimating by up to 50%.

Cheaper Fitbit models overestimate calories burned while running by 40% but are 2% accurate in estimating the number of calories burned, which means that Fitbit smartwatches are more precise in tracking calories burned while running.

Are Some Fitbit Models Accurate Than Others?

Although studies show that some Fitbit smartwatches are more precise than others, the latest versions like Fitbit Sense 2, Charge 6, and Versa 4 outperform most popular smartwatch brands.

Why is Fitness Tracker Inaccurate?

It’s important to note that Fitbit only provides estimated data on calories burned. For accurate calorie data opt for approved calorie counters.

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