Methods, limitations, and sources

Consult a physician, registered dietitian, or other qualified professional before beginning a diet or exercise program or making medical or significant dietary decisions. Professional guidance is especially important if you are under 18, pregnant or nursing, have a medical condition or history of disordered eating, or take medication affected by diet or exercise.

How targets are estimated

Babylon estimates resting energy needs from age, height, weight, and the sex selected for calculation using the Mifflin–St Jeor equation. It estimates total daily needs using planned workout frequency, then adjusts the estimate toward the weight and fitness goals you selected.

Protein is estimated from body weight and training goals. Fat is assigned as a share of total energy, and carbohydrate receives the remaining energy. These calculations are starting points, not measurements of your metabolism, and can be changed in the app.

Important limitations

• Energy expenditure and food-photo results are estimates; individual results vary.
• A phone cannot measure your metabolism or determine the exact contents of a meal from an image.
• Injuries, allergies, symptoms, diagnoses, pregnancy, and medications require individualized professional advice.
• Stop exercising and seek medical care if you experience chest pain, fainting, or severe or unusual symptoms.

Sources

These references support the general methods and information used in Babylon. Each link opens the original publisher or research index.