An online BMR calculator with added functionality: need your comments/feedback

[Short One]

Hi guys,
As my knowledge has grown over time, I decided to put together yet ANOTHER BMR calculator.

I'm a developer and enjoy putting together little utilities from time to time.
This application will:
-calculate your BMR using either Katch-McArdle or Harris-Benedict formula
-calculate your LBM
-calculate your target weight for a target BF%
-calculates a meal plan depending on how you wish to spread your calories over the day
-uses different techniques of how to give you your daily calorie goals.

Please try it out, and give me your feedback on what you think, and any improvements you'd like to see.

>>> Click here to try it out <<<

[numinix]

When I put in a target bodyfat it returns the results without a unit of measure. I am guessing this is kg's but I was using lbs in the measurements... Perhaps you should make two different formulas depending on what unit of measure?

[Short One]

When I put in a target bodyfat it returns the results without a unit of measure. I am guessing this is kg's but I was using lbs in the measurements... Perhaps you should make two different formulas depending on what unit of measure?

Thank you for your suggestion. I'll include that in the next release, as well as a nicer rounded figure as opposed to such a precise number you might get .

I'll also change it to return in in the entered unit of measure.
if you enter your weight in lbs, it'll return your LBM and target weight in lbs.

Thanks again.

[Stonecoldtruth]

The LBM calculation method appears to be flawed, as it is returning an LBM much lower than it should be.

Example:

200lb man with 10% bodyfat, return of LBM shows 81.81, whereas it SHOULD show 180. This throws off the entire function of your target weight calculator. I'm looking forward to seeing it once fixed though.

Stonecoldtruth

EDIT - AH! I see, it is returning the lbm calculations based on kg instead of lb, gotcha! Sorry about that.

[boyscouT]

Hi guys,
As my knowledge has grown over time, I decided to put together yet ANOTHER BMR calculator.

I'm a developer and enjoy putting together little utilities from time to time.
This application will:
-calculate your BMR using either Katch-McArdle or Harris-Benedict formula
-calculate your LBM
-calculate your target weight for a target BF%
-calculates a meal plan depending on how you wish to spread your calories over the day
-uses different techniques of how to give you your daily calorie goals.

Please try it out, and give me your feedback on what you think, and any improvements you'd like to see.

>>> Click here to try it out <<<

That's pretty cool bro.

[Short One]

The LBM calculation method appears to be flawed, as it is returning an LBM much lower than it should be.

Example:

200lb man with 10% bodyfat, return of LBM shows 81.81, whereas it SHOULD show 180. This throws off the entire function of your target weight calculator. I'm looking forward to seeing it once fixed though.

Stonecoldtruth

EDIT - AH! I see, it is returning the lbm calculations based on kg instead of lb, gotcha! Sorry about that.

That's pretty cool bro.

Thanks to the both of you for trying it out and comments.

[DJohnson]

Worked great for me. Excellent job. You should put a link in your sig or something.

[Short One]

I'll be uploading a new version over the next day or so which includes:
- Fix to that target weight problem which currently only shows in kgs
- Enhancement to allow entry of a specific calorie offset from maintenance (+/-)
- Anything else you guys might pick up on.

I'll work to make it prettier later on, but for the minute I'm concentrating on functionality.

[boyscouT]

I'll be uploading a new version over the next day or so which includes:
- Fix to that target weight problem which currently only shows in kgs
- Enhancement to allow entry of a specific calorie offset from maintenance (+/-)
- Anything else you guys might pick up on.

I'll work to make it prettier later on, but for the minute I'm concentrating on functionality.

You should try to get as many "testers" for your program as possible, to see how accurate those "estimation methods" really are when compared to real world cut and bulk diets.

[skelooth]

Nice script

My only opinion is that I'd rather the activitey multiplier be on the first screen, and it gives you cut, bulk, and maintenance calories regardless, then everything else is optional

[Short One]

Nice script

My only opinion is that I'd rather the activitey multiplier be on the first screen, and it gives you cut, bulk, and maintenance calories regardless, then everything else is optional

Thanks for your opinion skelooth.

I did originally have it on the first screen, but moved it due to functionality.

The first page has only enough detail to provide a BMR.
The second page goes that step further.

I can see where you're coming from with that approach. I'll need to do some more analysis on the design. It's workable either way, just a question on how much to enter at once.

To not bombard the user with too many options at once, the app should have a 3rd screen in the wizard, so that there isn't too much to pick at the one time.

The other reasoning I recall to moving the Activity Level to the 2nd screen was so that the user could see instantly (without moving screens) the effect of changing activity levels.

[por2geez]

I tried it out. The numbers were a little different from what I usually get. I think you are kind of in "in the grey" with you target audience. There are some things there the a beginner wouldn't understand, yet there are other things that should be more vague (like a variable input as opposed to a radio button) if you want someone experienced to use it.

Also, I but myself as 204lbs 14%BF. The Target BF% to Total Body Weight calculator said that at 8% I should weigh 186. My calculations say that's incorrect. Had my target been 5.9%, it would work, otherwise, it should have returned ~189

[por2geez]

I've thought about doing this with Javascript for a long time now. Maybe I can get it done before school starts again.

[ShapingUp]

I luv it! Now I know how many calories to have for the first 2 meals after I work out, and how many to have at the other meals. Thanks a lot!

[Fat Balls]

Awesome. Except, isn't the activity calculator/factor always going to show fairly inaccurate results? For example, what I consider to be "moderately active," the next guy might call "very active." Same goes for "hard" vs. "moderate" exercise.

[amjzzz]

It's cool. I would suggest if they choose a TDEE option to actually display the TDEE. I don't see it displayed.

Ah.. I guess you can get at it if you choose maintain.

[Stonecoldtruth]

Awesome. Except, isn't the activity calculator/factor always going to show fairly inaccurate results? For example, what I consider to be "moderately active," the next guy might call "very active." Same goes for "hard" vs. "moderate" exercise.

All of the BMR formulas use the activity modifier, and yes it is reliant on you using the correct modifier. BMR outputs are not meant to be precise, but are meant to give a good starting point IMVHO.

SCT

[Short One]

I tried it out. The numbers were a little different from what I usually get. I think you are kind of in "in the grey" with you target audience. There are some things there the a beginner wouldn't understand, yet there are other things that should be more vague (like a variable input as opposed to a radio button) if you want someone experienced to use it.

Also, I but myself as 204lbs 14%BF. The Target BF% to Total Body Weight calculator said that at 8% I should weigh 186. My calculations say that's incorrect. Had my target been 5.9%, it would work, otherwise, it should have returned ~189

I think what you're seeing is some eye trickery.. You're seeing '86', because it's giving it to you in kgs. (my fix for this will be in the next release)

Thank you for your suggestion on making a 'basic' version of it, plus an experienced.. Good suggestion. Thanks.

I must admit, at face value, the current version is very daunting to a novice.

[Short One]

It's cool. I would suggest if they choose a TDEE option to actually display the TDEE. I don't see it displayed.

Ah.. I guess you can get at it if you choose maintain.

Agreed.. I intended to include in the next release a bonus feature.

Show your TDEE, as well as how far off your 'goal' is from maintenance as a reference.

[Short One]

All of the BMR formulas use the activity modifier, and yes it is reliant on you using the correct modifier. BMR outputs are not meant to be precise, but are meant to give a good starting point IMVHO.

SCT

Thank you.. You've pre-empted my intention to include a 'disclaimer', that these are just indicative guides, etc..

[Stonecoldtruth]

Thank you.. You've pre-empted my intention to include a 'disclaimer', that these are just indicative guides, etc..

I've made quite a few versions of these myself for friends and such, mine are a lot less programming oriented and just done in Microsoft Excel. I am impressed though that you added the option to use either of the formulae, as the Katch-McArdle (if an accurate lbm calculation is used) is FAR more accurate imo.

SCT

[Big Stan]

I tried it out and it was pretty much dead on to what I had already calculated. Thanks alot for the resource bro. Reps to you

Big Stan

[Short One]

Ok.. I have updated the version to include:
- Fix to the target weight screen to include your LBM and target weight in lbs (if you entered your weight in lbs).
- Rounded most of the figures to 2 decimals for readability
- Included a custom offset for manual entry of +/- calories from maintenance
- Included a table row to show how many cals off maintenance you are.
- Made data entry a little less daunting by re-arranging the options

Next I'll try my hand at splitting into beginner and advanced screens + any other suggestions you might have.

Thanks again for trialling my application out.

[vanessa40]

Thanks..i loved it..

Vanessa

[por2geez]

I think what you're seeing is some eye trickery.. You're seeing '86', because it's giving it to you in kgs. (my fix for this will be in the next release)

Thank you for your suggestion on making a 'basic' version of it, plus an experienced.. Good suggestion. Thanks.

I must admit, at face value, the current version is very daunting to a novice.

Sorry, I meant 186.

[por2geez]

Ok.. I have updated the version to include:
- Fix to the target weight screen to include your LBM and target weight in lbs (if you entered your weight in lbs).
- Rounded most of the figures to 2 decimals for readability
- Included a custom offset for manual entry of +/- calories from maintenance
- Included a table row to show how many cals off maintenance you are.
- Made data entry a little less daunting by re-arranging the options

Next I'll try my hand at splitting into beginner and advanced screens + any other suggestions you might have.

Thanks again for trialling my application out.

It doesnt HAVE to be split. What you can do is change most of the fields to be more like your "custom offset for manual entry" by allowing them to take in user defined data as opposed to making them select from the data definitions you've chosen for them. Then, make sure to place some educational info in the directions. That way, experienced people can get exactly what they need and inexperienced people can get a decent idea of what values they should enter.

[Short One]

I luv it! Now I know how many calories to have for the first 2 meals after I work out, and how many to have at the other meals. Thanks a lot!

You're most welcome. I'm glad that you loved it.

[Short One]

Bump before I upload a new version asap.

[Short One]

Ok.. I've made available a new version of the Application.

The new features include:
- Custom activity level
- Inclusion of MacroNutrient config
- Custom MacroNutrient Breakdown
- Custom calorie offset
- Option to include or not include the MacroNutrient @ the bottom of the page
- New Target Heart Rate calculator using the Karvonnen method as well as traditional 220 - age calculation

Please let me know what you think, and if any other ideas come to mind.

[boyscouT]

The link isn't working for me .