1. Purpose and scope
Fooda AI uses information supplied by the user—such as age, sex selection, height, weight, target, activity level, food preferences and selected pace—to produce an estimated daily calorie target, macronutrient targets, an illustrative weight trajectory and general food or activity suggestions.
References on this page support the underlying calculation methods and general wellness principles. They do not mean that every estimate is suitable for every person or that every AI-generated sentence has been clinically reviewed. The plan should be treated as a starting point for self-monitoring.
2. Energy and weight calculations
2.1 Basal metabolic rate
For adults, Fooda AI estimates basal metabolic rate (BMR) with the Mifflin–St Jeor equation [1]. Weight is entered in kilograms, height in centimetres and age in years:
- Male: BMR = 10 × weight + 6.25 × height − 5 × age + 5
- Female: BMR = 10 × weight + 6.25 × height − 5 × age − 161
2.2 Total daily energy expenditure
The app estimates total daily energy expenditure (TDEE) by multiplying BMR by an activity factor selected from the user’s self-reported activity level: 1.20, 1.375, 1.55, 1.725 or 1.90. This is a practical approximation. Physical activity is one of the most variable components of total energy expenditure, and actual needs can differ substantially [2].
2.3 Target calories and projected weight
The target is adjusted from estimated TDEE according to the goal and pace selected by the user. The 12-week trajectory is an illustrative linear projection, not a promise of results. Real weight change is affected by adherence, fluid balance, body composition, metabolic adaptation, medicines, medical conditions, sleep and other factors. Gradual, sustainable change is consistent with CDC general guidance [5].
3. Macronutrients and food guidance
Protein, fat and carbohydrate targets begin from goal-specific distributions and may be adjusted to fit the calorie target and information supplied by the user. General reference points are informed by the National Academies’ Dietary Reference Intakes [3], WHO healthy-diet principles [6], and evidence concerning protein needs in physically active adults [8].
Recipe calories and nutrients are estimates derived from described ingredients and portions. Brands, preparation methods and actual serving sizes can change the result. For packaged foods, use the product label where available. For an allergy, intolerance, kidney disease, pregnancy, breastfeeding or another condition affecting nutrition, obtain individual advice from a qualified clinician or registered dietitian.
4. Body mass index
BMI is calculated as weight in kilograms divided by height in metres squared. Adult category labels follow CDC reference ranges [4]. BMI is a screening measure, not a diagnosis, and should be considered alongside other health information by a qualified professional.
5. General wellness recommendations
Suggestions about food variety, minimally processed foods, fruit, vegetables, fibre, sugars and dietary fats are informed by WHO healthy-diet guidance [6]. General movement and exercise suggestions are informed by the U.S. Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans [7]. These are population-level references, not an individual exercise or medical prescription.
6. AI-generated content
Some explanations, coaching messages and recipes are generated with artificial intelligence from the information the user chooses to provide. AI output may be incomplete, unsuitable or incorrect. Fooda AI applies product instructions and calculation guardrails, but users should verify important information and must not use the app for emergencies, diagnosis, treatment, medication decisions or allergy-safety decisions.
How data is handled for AI features is described separately in the AI processing section of our Privacy Policy.
7. Limitations and when to seek professional advice
- Energy expenditure and food nutrition values are estimates and contain uncertainty.
- Short-term weight changes often reflect water and glycogen, not only body fat.
- Do not use the plan to replace diagnosis, treatment or a prescribed diet.
- Speak to a healthcare professional before using a calorie deficit if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, have a history of an eating disorder, are underweight, take medicines affecting appetite or weight, or have a medical condition affecting nutrition or exercise.
- Stop and obtain medical advice if the plan causes concerning symptoms or an unsafe relationship with food or exercise.
8. References
- Mifflin MD, St Jeor ST, Hill LA, et al. “A new predictive equation for resting energy expenditure in healthy individuals.” PubMed record and abstract.
- National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. Dietary Reference Intakes for Energy (2023). Summary and energy equations.
- National Academies / Institute of Medicine. Dietary Reference Intakes. Macronutrient reference tables.
- U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Adult BMI Categories.
- U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Steps for Losing Weight.
- World Health Organization. Healthy diet.
- U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans.
- Jäger R, Kerksick CM, Campbell BI, et al. “International Society of Sports Nutrition Position Stand: protein and exercise.” PubMed record and abstract.
We may update this page as the product’s calculation methods or relevant scientific guidance changes. Questions can be sent to hello@foodaai.com.