PCOS Calorie Deficit Calculator
Calculate your personalized calorie deficit for weight management with PCOS. This tool helps determine your daily calorie target based on your unique metabolic needs and weight loss goals.
How to Use This Calculator
- Enter your personal information including age, gender, height, and current weight
- Select your activity level from the dropdown menu
- Set your target weight and desired timeframe for weight loss
- Indicate if you have insulin resistance (common with PCOS)
- Click Calculate to see your personalized calorie deficit recommendations
Formula Used
BMR = (10 × weight in kg) + (6.25 × height in cm) - (5 × age in years) + gender factor
Where:
- BMR = Basal Metabolic Rate (calories needed at rest)
- gender factor = +5 for males, -161 for females
- TDEE = BMR × Activity Level Multiplier
- Calorie Deficit = TDEE - Daily Calorie Target
Example Calculation
Real-World Scenario:
Sarah, a 32-year-old woman with PCOS, wants to lose weight in a healthy way. She is 165cm tall, weighs 80kg, and has a sedentary job with light exercise 1-2 days per week.
Given:
- Age = 32 years
- Gender = Female
- Height = 165 cm
- Weight = 80 kg
- Activity Level = Lightly active (1.375)
- Target Weight = 70 kg
- Timeframe = 6 months
Calculation:
BMR = (10 × 80) + (6.25 × 165) - (5 × 32) - 161 = 800 + 1031.25 - 160 - 161 = 1510.25 calories
TDEE = 1510.25 × 1.375 = 2076.6 calories
Weight to lose = 80kg - 70kg = 10kg
Daily calorie deficit needed = (10kg × 7700 calories/kg) ÷ (6 months × 30 days) = 428 calories/day
Result: Daily calorie target = 2076.6 - 428 = 1649 calories (rounded to 1650 calories)
Why This Calculation Matters
Practical Applications
- Helps manage PCOS-related weight gain
- Supports insulin sensitivity through appropriate calorie intake
- Provides realistic weight loss timeline expectations
- Customized approach for PCOS metabolic challenges
Key Benefits
- Avoids overly restrictive diets that can worsen PCOS symptoms
- Considers insulin resistance in calorie calculations
- Promotes sustainable weight loss rather than crash dieting
- Helps balance hormones through appropriate nutrition
Common Mistakes & Tips
Frequently Asked Questions
References & Disclaimer
Medical Disclaimer
This calculator is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. PCOS is a complex medical condition that requires individualized care. Always consult with your healthcare provider before making significant changes to your diet or exercise routine, especially if you have PCOS or other medical conditions.
References
- Dietary Intervention in Women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome - A systematic review and meta-analysis examining the effects of dietary interventions on PCOS management.
- Lifestyle Management in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome - Comprehensive review of evidence-based lifestyle approaches for managing PCOS.
- Energy Deficit and Weight Loss in PCOS - Research examining appropriate calorie deficits for women with PCOS.
Accuracy Notice
This calculator provides estimates based on standard formulas and general PCOS considerations. Individual calorie needs may vary based on genetics, medications, specific hormonal profiles, and other factors. The results should be used as a starting point for discussion with your healthcare team, not as a definitive prescription.
About the Author
Kumaravel Madhavan
Web developer and data researcher creating accurate, easy-to-use calculators across health, finance, education, and construction and more. Works with subject-matter experts to ensure formulas meet trusted standards like WHO, NIH, and ISO.