Diagnostic: Daily Energy Expenditure & Maintenance Thresholds
Thermodynamic Inputs
Academic Research: Preventing Metabolic Drift
The Katch-McArdle Advantage
Most calculators use age and height (Mifflin-St Jeor), which penalizes older athletes by assuming metabolic slowdown. This lab utilizes Katch-McArdle: $BMR = 370 + (21.6 \times \text{LBM})$. By focusing on Lean Body Mass, we account for the higher energy demands of the muscular athlete.
Sarcopenia & Drift
Metabolic slowdown is primarily a byproduct of muscle loss (Sarcopenia) rather than chronological age. By maintaining a high FFMI, masters athletes effectively "drift" their metabolic floor upwards, improving nutrient partitioning.
Diagnostic Disclaimer: TDEE is an estimate. Individual variation in NEAT and microbiome can impact actual maintenance by ±15%. Adjust based on weekly median scale trends.