The Science of Energy Expenditure
Ever wonder how your fitness tracker knows how many calories you’ve burned? It uses a scientific unit called the MET (Metabolic Equivalent of Task). One MET is defined as the energy you use while sitting quietly. Activities with a higher MET value require more oxygen and therefore burn more fuel.
The MET Formula
To calculate calories burned, we convert your weight to kilograms and use the standard MET equation:
$$Calories = \left( MET \times 3.5 \times \frac{\text{Weight in kg}}{200} \right) \times \text{Duration}$$
Factors That Affect Your Burn
- Body Composition: Muscle tissue is more metabolically active than fat tissue, meaning people with higher muscle mass burn more calories even at rest.
- Intensity: The harder you push during an activity, the higher the MET value becomes.
- Environmental Conditions: Exercising in extreme heat or cold can increase your calorie burn as your body works harder to maintain its core temperature.
Note: This tool provides an estimate based on average MET values. Individual results vary based on age, sex, and fitness level.