Estimated Energy Requirement (EER) is the number of calories you need on a daily basis to maintain your current body weight. It is made up of three components:

• Basal Metabolic Rate (BMR) – About 60 to 70 % of your body’s energy expenditure goes to body functions as heart beat, respiration, and maintaining body temperature.
• Physical Activity – About 20-30% of your body's total energy output goes to physical activity.
• Energy for Digesting Food – A small portion (about 10%) your body’s energy output goes to digesting food.

EER is calculated by multiplying the calories needed for your Basal Metabolic Rate (BMR) by a factor that indicates your level of physical activity.

Activity Levels

• Sedentary – Typical daily activities (e.g., household tasks, walking to the bus)
• Low Active – Typical daily living activities PLUS 30-60 minutes of daily moderate physical activity (e.g., Sedentary + walking about 1.5 to 3 miles per day at 3 to 4 miles per hour)
• Active – Typical daily living activities PLUS at least 60 minutes of daily moderate physical activity (e.g., Sedentary + walking more than 3 miles per day at 3 to 4 miles per hour)
• Very Active – Typical daily living activities PLUS at least 60 minutes of daily moderate physical activity PLUS an additional 60 minutes of vigorous activity or 120 minutes of moderate activity.