How Accurate is Fitbit Calorie Burn? Well, the quantity of calories burned is always an approximation.
And the algorithm suggests a certain quantity of calories burnt using a variety of factors which we mention below.
You are probably wondering why Fitbit trackers are inaccurate and still cost a lot of cash.
The shortest and simplest answer for this is, that Fitbits are made to estimate the number of calories your body burns.
Fitbit trackers feature algorithms, with these algorithms they can the tracker can consider several things that impact the burning of calories.
Are Fitbit Calories Burned Accurate
So, is Fitbit calories burned accurate? An activity tracker like Fitbit Versa is not 100% accurate on the number of calories burnt. According to a study that was carried out in 2017, Fitbit Surge was able to record a 27% error when counting the number of calories burnt.
Although the error are a lot, Surge is the best Fitbit for counting calorie burns. Other trackers like Fitbit Versa, Versa2, Blaze, Flex, and, Charge 3 are not that accurate on calories.
How Does Fitbit Calculate Calories Burned
So, what are the factors that Fitbits use to estimate the number of calories your body burns?
Let us now go through some of the common factors used by the Fitbit algorithm to estimate the number of calories burned while you are on the move or working out.
Here’s how: Fitbit combines measurements of related metabolic rate, heart rate, steps taken, distances covered, and other data from daily physical activities. Data such as weight, gender, weight, and age come up with the basal metabolic rate.
What Is BMR?
BMR is the abbreviation for basal metabolic rate. Basal metabolic rate refers to the rate at which the body burns calories naturally.
When fitness trackers like Fitbit Charge 3 feature BMR it means they use exercise from Fitbit App, steps and stairs climbed throughout the day to determine the number of calories burnt.
How Does Fitbit Compare To Other Brands?
You will want to opt for another fitness tracker because of how Fitbit’s calorie burn inaccuracy.
The thing is no activity tracker will provide you with accurate calorie data. Some trackers will underestimate the results while others will overestimate the results.
If compared with other fitness brands like Garmin, Whoop, and Letscom, Fitbit comes with more health features plus they are durable, and easy to operate and maintain.
Although they are not as accurate as we expect them to be, they keep us motivated to keep fit.
What Research Says About Fitbit Calorie Burn
According to a study carried out by Ball State University even known fitness devices gave calorie burn errors.
Trackers used for the study included Fitbit Flex, Jawbone UP24, Fitbit Zip, Fitbit, One, and Omron HJ-720IT.
The researchers used the COSMED K4b2 as the metabolic analyzer. COSMED K4b2 uses oxygen consumed to determine energy expenditure.
The trackers were used when climbing stairs and running. The measurements on the trackers were compared after the workouts.
The resting measure was found to be accurate but energy expenditure was overestimated. Calories burnt were also exaggerated by as much as 35%.
It is at that point that the researcher concluded that Fitbits and other trackers cannot give accurate calorie burn.
Another study carried out in 2019 compared two smartwatches. The watches are Fitbit Charge 2 and Garmin Vivosmart HR. Participants were monitored for 24 hours.
Fitbit showed an excessive count on the number of steps taken by 10 percent. While the Garmin Vivosmart recorded an undercount of 9 percent.
Compared to Fitbit Charge 2, Garmin Vivosmart HR+ was not accurate on the overall energy expenditure.
Researchers concluded that Fitbit and Garmin are good for those who want them for personal use and not best for those who want reliable health data like calorie burn.
What Are Calories And Why Do They Matter?
Calories are simply a measurement of energy. Calories have to be present for the metabolism of the macromolecules to take part.
When the body takes calories from food, body cells are powered with energy that helps the body do things like thinking, speaking, walking, and, running.
When more than enough calories are taken by the body, obesity is introduced. Obesity is one of the most dangerous problems that expose you to chronic illnesses.
This problem mostly affects the people in the west of the globe. Cutting on the number of calories taken by the body minimizes the risk of getting diseases like cancer and Alzheimer’s plus a problem like oxidative cancer.
The only way obese people can lose weight to get a healthy body is by exercising which burns calories and eating healthy food.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Fitbit Show Calories Burned Or Eaten?
That is true, Fitbit will show the calories burned. Use the Fitbit app which is available for Android, Windows, and iOS devices to see the number of calories your body has burnt. You are also able to see the number of calories you have consumed.
Why Does My Fitbit Say I’ve Burned So Many Calories?
The Fitbit calorie resets every midnight. That means, the number of calories you see on Fitbit or on the App when getting out of bed is for that specific day.
What Does The Green Star Mean On Fitbit Calories?
The green star you see on Fitbit calories means your goal is achieved and have gotten to your best.
What Is The Most Accurate Calorie Tracker?
The most accurate Fitbit you can buy for working out is the Fitbit Surge. The activity tracker records fewer errors compared to trackers like Fitbit Sense, Charge 4, and Blaze.
Are Fitbits Worth It?
The calorie-burning feature shouldn’t hinder you from using Fitbit. Apart from monitoring calories burnt in the body Fitbits can be used to do other track the heart rate, sleep, stress, and swimming.
You can also keep time using the Fitbit alarm feature and respond to calls plus text messages. That said, Fitbit is something worth having.
How Many Calories Do You Burn In A Day Without Exercise?
An average person is supposed to burn at least 1800 calories every 24 hours even without working out. People who do not work out burn 75 calories each hour.
