The 72 Hour Fast Calculator is designed to estimate the amount of weight you can lose during a 72-hour fasting period. By inputting your Basal Metabolic Rate (BMR), which represents the number of calories your body needs to maintain basic physiological functions, the calculator can predict the weight loss you may experience. This tool helps you set realistic goals and understand the potential impact of fasting on your body.
Formula of 72 Hour Fast Calculator
To calculate the expected weight loss during a 72-hour fast, you can use the following formula:
Weight Loss (lbs) = (BMR / 3500) * 72
Where:
- BMR is the Basal Metabolic Rate in calories per day.
- 3500 is the number of calories in a pound of body fat.
- 72 is the duration of the fast in hours.
Step-by-Step Calculation
- Determine BMR: Use the Harris-Benedict equation to calculate your BMR.
- For Men:
- BMR = 88.362 + (13.397 * weight in kg) + (4.799 * height in cm) - (5.677 * age in years)
- For Women:
- BMR = 447.593 + (9.247 * weight in kg) + (3.098 * height in cm) - (4.330 * age in years)
- For Men:
- Convert Weight and Height:
- Weight: Pounds to Kilograms (kg)
- Weight (kg) = Weight (lbs) / 2.20462
- Height: Inches to Centimeters (cm)
- Height (cm) = Height (in) * 2.54
- Weight: Pounds to Kilograms (kg)
- Calculate Expected Weight Loss:
- Use the BMR from step 1.
- Plug the BMR into the weight loss formula:
- Weight Loss (lbs) = (BMR / 3500) * 72
General Terms and Useful Tables
To simplify the process, here is a table of common BMR values and the corresponding weight loss over a 72-hour fast for different body weights and heights. This can help you quickly estimate your potential weight loss without performing each calculation manually.
| Weight (lbs) | Height (in) | Age (years) | BMR (cal/day) | Weight Loss (lbs) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 150 | 65 | 30 | 1600 | 32.91 |
| 180 | 70 | 40 | 1900 | 39.09 |
| 200 | 72 | 35 | 2100 | 43.20 |
Example of 72 Hour Fast Calculator
Let's go through an example calculation to illustrate the process:
- Determine BMR:
- A 35-year-old woman weighing 150 lbs and 65 inches tall.
- Convert weight and height:
- Weight (kg) = 150 / 2.20462 = 68.04 kg
- Height (cm) = 65 * 2.54 = 165.1 cm
- Calculate BMR using the Harris-Benedict equation:
- BMR = 447.593 + (9.247 * 68.04) + (3.098 * 165.1) - (4.330 * 35)
- BMR ≈ 1396.4 calories/day
- Calculate Expected Weight Loss:
- Weight Loss (lbs) = (1396.4 / 3500) * 72
- Weight Loss (lbs) ≈ 28.72
Most Common FAQs
The accuracy of the 72 Hour Fast Calculator depends on the accuracy of your BMR calculation. While the Harris-Benedict equation provides a good estimate, individual metabolic rates can vary. The calculator gives a reasonable approximation but may not account for all individual factors.
Yes, you can adjust the duration in the formula to match your fasting period. Simply replace the 72 hours with your desired fasting duration.
Several factors can influence weight loss during fasting, including hydration levels, physical activity, and overall health. It's essential to consider these factors and consult with a healthcare professional before starting any fasting regimen.