For calculating the Basal Metabolic Rate (BMR) we used the Harris-Benedict equation (1984 revision):

Men: BMR = 88.362 + (13.397 × weight in kg) + (4.799 × height in cm) - (5.677 × age in years)

Women: BMR = 447.593 + (9.247 × weight in kg) + (3.098 × height in cm) - (4.330 × age in years)

The Total Daily Energy Expenditure (TDEE) was calculated by multiplying the BMR by a factor corresponding to the selected Physical Activity Level (PAL).

Basal Metabolic Rate (BMR) represents the minimum amount of energy (expressed in calories) that our body needs to maintain vital functions at rest, such as:

• Breathing
• Circulating blood
• Regulating body temperature
• Supporting cellular activity

It is measured under conditions of physical and mental rest, at a neutral room temperature, and while fasting.

Total Daily Energy Expenditure (TDEE) is the total amount of calories your body burns in 24 hours, taking into account not only your basal metabolism but also the energy spent on:

• Daily activities
• Exercise
• Diet-induced thermogenesis (the energy used to digest food)

A calorie (often referred to as kcal, kilocalorie, in the context of food) is a unit of energy. In the field of nutrition, calories indicate the amount of energy we obtain from foods and drinks and the amount of energy our body spends to perform all its functions, from physical activity to simply maintaining vital functions.