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Maintenance Calories Explained

Maintenance calories are the number of calories you need each day to maintain your current body weight. Eating this amount keeps your weight stable over time.

What are maintenance calories?

Your maintenance level is based on your basal metabolic rate (BMR) and daily activity. It represents the balance point where calories consumed equal calories burned.

Why maintenance calories matter

Maintenance vs weight loss or gain

If you eat below maintenance, you lose weight. If you eat above maintenance, you gain weight. Maintenance calories are the neutral reference point for all nutrition goals.

Using the Calories & Macros calculator

When selecting the maintenance goal, the calculator estimates your total daily energy expenditure (TDEE) and distributes macros to support stable energy levels and overall health.