Understanding the calorie counting

[Lindylou1411]

Hi,

when i put my fitbit alta hr on first thing in the morning everything resets but the calories counter says 400 or so calories. Surely this isnt so through the night when im not wearing it? Why cant it start at 0

Thanks

lindylou1411

[WavyDavey]

Hi @Lindylou1411

Welcome!

If the calorie counter started at zero, it would be under-reporting your acutal calories burned, which would make it more difficult to manage weight.

The truth is those 400 calories were burned by your breathing, your body's normal upkeep and functions. Even without wearing the Alta HR, it uses your profile information to estimate how many calories you burn at rest. If you were wearing the tracker at night, you'd find the total before waking up may even be higher. Mine is regularly 500-700.

If you really want to see the calorie counter at zero, check the tracker at precisely midnight. Then you'll see the calories reset back to zero, and start to slowly add up again.

Make sense?