Why does my Fitbit show calories burned when I’m not wearing it?

Answered by Willian Lymon

Fitbit tracks your daily activity and calculates the calories burned based on various factors such as age, weight, height, and gender. However, you might wonder why your Fitbit still shows calories burned even when you’re not wearing it. The answer lies in the concept of Basal Metabolic Rate (BMR).

BMR refers to the number of calories your body burns at rest to maintain basic bodily functions such as breathing, circulating blood, and regulating body temperature. These functions require energy, and even when you’re not physically active or wearing your Fitbit, your body still burns calories to keep you alive.

Fitbit takes this into account by incorporating your BMR into its calculations. When you set up your Fitbit account, you provide your personal details such as age, weight, height, and gender. Using this information, Fitbit estimates your BMR and includes it in the daily calorie burn calculation.

So, when your Fitbit shows calories burned when you’re not wearing it, it’s actually displaying the calories burned through your BMR since midnight. This means that even if you’re not engaging in any physical activity, your body still requires energy to function properly.

It’s important to note that the calorie count displayed on your Fitbit is an estimate and may not be 100% accurate. Factors like individual metabolism, muscle mass, and overall health can influence the actual number of calories burned. Fitbit uses algorithms and general formulas to estimate these values, but they may not be customized to your specific body composition.

Additionally, it’s worth mentioning that Fitbit devices have sensors that track your heart rate, movement, and other activities to provide a more accurate representation of calorie burn when you are wearing it. These sensors capture real-time data and provide a more comprehensive picture of your daily energy expenditure.

Fitbit shows calories burned even when you’re not wearing it because it incorporates your Basal Metabolic Rate (BMR) into its calculations. BMR represents the calories your body burns at rest to maintain basic bodily functions. By considering your BMR along with your physical activity, Fitbit provides an estimate of your total calorie burn throughout the day. However, it’s essential to remember that these estimates are not always precise and can vary based on individual factors.