Resting Calories
Most BMR calculators I've used (e.g. Sailrabbit) puts me in the 1800 range, but Garmin has me at ~2100. I've read past posts that state Garmin is using a 1.2x multiplier for resting calories, thus creating a skewed total for the daily burn. Is this still the case?
Posted Nov 22, 2019, 8:31 PM UTC
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Garmin uses RMR because non steps / exercise activity such as typing on a computer or sitting up straight stills burns calories.
It's not skewed. Whenever you do a activity resting calories are subtracted from the active.
For example: walk 1 mile in 20 minutes and burn 100 kcal, but active is only 70.
Hmm...so, theoretically if I were to lay in bed all day it'd still use my resting burn rate with the 1.2x multiplier even though I didn't do anything to deserve it?
I guess I don't understand why the resting rate has that multiplier applied when the active calories burnt should account for any activity done, whether it's typing at the computer or going for a run.
Yes. It will overestimate on days like this. But it will underestimate on other days where activity tracking is wrong. On average, it will be correct.
Sounds like you are not working with reality using BMR in place of TDEE sedentary. Unless you are very static (in bed) you want the latter as being closer to reality. BMR is you close to not moving, TDEE sedentary is going through a normal sedentary day.
No, active calories are not given for typing at the computer. So you are not getting double credit.
There is no tracker that will be able to calculate accurate calories for you typing on a computer. Just not happening. So it must be assumed as part of general, normal, sedentary activity.
TDEE sedentary is a pretty fair/conservative estimate, and honestly compared to other trackers, Garmin is well on the conservative side of daily calorie burn, and giving you active calorie credit (at least for me).
Anyhow, tracking your weight changes and coming up with your actual TDEE is the only way for it to not be an estimate.