🍎 Calorie Calculator
Know your daily calorie needs
🗂️ Guide to calories and daily needs
What are calories?
A calorie is a unit of measurement of energy that the body obtains from food. Your body needs a certain number of calories daily to perform its basic functions and daily activities.
Basal metabolic rate (BMR)
It is the number of calories your body burns at complete rest. Calculated using the internationally accepted Mifflin-St Jeor equation.
Your total daily intake (TDEE)
It is BMR multiplied by the activity factor. These are the calories you need daily to maintain your current weight.
How to lose weight and gain weight
- For slimming: Subtract 500-1000 calories from TDEE per day to lose 0.5-1 kg per week.
- To increase: Add 500 calories above TDEE daily to gain 0.5 kg per week.
- To preserve: Consume the same TDEE.
Reference: World Health Organization (WHO.int) | Saudi Ministry of Health (moh.gov.sa)
Calorie calculator in Saudi Arabia 2026: Your comprehensive guide to accurately controlling your weight
In light of the health transformation that the Kingdom is witnessing within Vision 2030Obesity rates have risen to about 35% among adults, according to Ministry of Health reports Calorie calculator An essential tool for every Saudi seeking a healthy weight. It is no longer just a matter of “eating less,” but an accurate calculation based on age, weight, height, and daily activity level. With the diversity of local restaurants and the spread of express delivery, it is difficult for the Saudi user to estimate his actual need without a reliable tool. Here comes the role of the calculator that turns numbers into a practical plan that suits the Saudi lifestyle, from kabsa meal to specialty coffee.
How does the step-by-step calorie calculator work?
The calculator relies on internationally approved scientific equations, most notably: Mifflin St. Jorre Equation, which calculates your basal metabolic rate (BMR) and then multiplies it by your physical activity factor to get your total daily calories (TDEE). Here are the steps:
- Basic data entry: Gender, age, weight in kilograms, and height in centimeters.
- Determine activity level: Inactive (x1.2), Light (x1.375), Medium (x1.55), High (x1.725), or Sport (x1.9).
- Choose target: Weight loss (300-500 calorie deficit), stability, or muscle gain (250-400 calorie surplus).
- Automated calculation: The calculator shows your daily calories and macro breakdown (protein, carbs, fat).
- Weekly follow-up: Recalibrate every 7-10 days depending on weight change.
It should be noted that the calculator is an estimate, and does not replace the consultation of a nutritionist, especially for patients with diabetes or high blood pressure, who constitute a large percentage of visitors to Saudi health centers.
A practical example with numbers from the Saudi market
Suppose a Saudi employee in Riyadh, 32 years old, weight 88 kg, height 175 cm, works on a system. Saudi labor system (8 office hours) and walks 3 times a week. Its basal metabolic rate is ≈ 1,850 calories, and with an activity factor of 1.375, the daily requirement becomes about 2,540 calories. To lose half a kilo per week, consume 2,100 calories. In practice: a medium chicken kabsa meal (750 calories) + specialty coffee with milk (180 calories) + a shawarma sandwich (450 calories) = 1,380 calories, which leaves 720 calories for a light dinner.
Three important tips for the Saudi user
- Watch the hidden calories in coffee: Some specialty drinks exceed 400 calories due to sugar and cream, so replace them with skim milk.
- Balance local meals: Do not deprive yourself of rice, but reduce the amount and add salad and grilled protein.
- Benefit from health coverage: Many health insurance policies in the Kingdom include nutrition sessions, so check your policy with the insurance company.
Frequently asked questions
Is the calorie calculator 100% accurate?
No, it is an estimate with an error ranging between 5% and 10%, and needs to be calibrated according to your body's actual response.
Does the tax affect calorie counting?
No direct relationship, but the 15% VAT applied Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority The cost of healthy foods and supplements increases, which may push some people to choose cheaper, higher-calorie options.
Can it be relied upon during Ramadan?
Yes, with an adjustment to the distribution between Iftar and Suhoor, and it is preferable to reduce the deficit to 200-300 calories to avoid stress.