BEE Calculator
Basal energy expenditure is your basal metabolic rate expressed as calories per day. This calculator uses the method India's ICMR-NIN uses: the international FAO/WHO/UNU equations, then ICMR-NIN's downward adjustment for Indian adults.
For Indian adults
kcal/day
Enter your age and weight
ICMR-NIN 2020 · FAO/WHO/UNU result − 5% − 5%
International equation
kcal/day
Age band
FAO/WHO/UNU 2004 (Schofield)
Same equation, shown with and without ICMR-NIN's adjustment for Indian adults. Uses weight and age only — no height.
Your results are attached to the form below
These figures are estimates for general awareness only and are not medical advice or a diagnosis. Read our Medical Disclaimer.
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How this is calculated
FAO/WHO/UNU, Human Energy Requirements (2004), Table 5.2 — Schofield equations by sex and age band, from weight only: men 15.057 × weight + 692.2 (18–30 years), 11.472 × weight + 873.1 (30–60), 11.711 × weight + 587.7 (60+); women 14.818 × weight + 486.6, 8.126 × weight + 845.6 and 9.082 × weight + 658.5. ICMR-NIN 2020 reports that these overestimate Indian adults' BMR by 10–12%; its 2010 expert group reduced the result by 5% and the 2020 group by a further 5%, which this calculator applies as two successive 5% reductions.
Why an Indian adjustment?
ICMR-NIN's 2020 expert group compared the FAO/WHO/UNU equations with BMR measured in Indians and found the equations ran 10–12% high, because the original data came largely from young, muscular subjects, while Indians tend to carry relatively more body fat. It therefore lowered BMR for Indian adults when setting the national energy requirements. It did not apply the adjustment to children.
BEE in hospitals
In hospital nutrition, BEE is sometimes calculated with the Harris-Benedict equation and then adjusted for illness or injury. That is a clinical assessment for inpatients and isn't offered here; the classic equation itself is on the Harris-Benedict Calculator.
Related calculators
For an equation that also uses height, see the Mifflin-St Jeor BMR Calculator. ICMR-NIN's daily calorie figures per kilogram are on the Calorie Intake Calculator (Simple).
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