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Versa over or under estimating caloric burn?

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‎04-25-2019 03:48 - edited ‎04-25-2019 08:30

‎04-25-2019 03:48 - edited ‎04-25-2019 08:30

Hi all,

 

I have read numerous articles of the inaccuracy of the Versa algorithm used in calculating caloric burn.  I understand that there are several other physiological parameters beside HR (HR is all that is tracked) that need to be tracked to properly calculate this.

 

So, my question is this: knowing what I have stated above, but still wanting to use the calories burned as a way to adjust my daily caloric intake, does the Versa over estimate or underestimate calories burned, and by how much?

 

Answers or insight is appreciated.  Questioning a question doesn't help.

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5 REPLIES 5

‎04-25-2019 06:16

‎04-25-2019 06:16

I'm curious about all these articles you have been reading, and what shortcomings they discuss.  Do you have any links?  Or what parameters are they saying are needed that Fitbit doesn't have?

Before posting, re-read to see if it would make sense to someone else not looking at your Fitbit or phone.

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‎04-25-2019 08:26

In response to JohnnyRow

‎04-25-2019 08:26

I googled it and found many articles to this fact, more than I cared to read. Stress level, sleep quality, hydration level, current training status, blood O2 levels, among others, are parameters that cannot be/are not tracked. 

 

 

 

 

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‎04-25-2019 10:07

In response to wburk64

‎04-25-2019 10:07

I see.

I was merely trying to understand your question.  From your original post, it sounded that you had found many articles specifically saying Versa's algorithm is wrong and pointing out the errors. But now I gather that was not the case..

 

I will refrain from offering more input on this to let you get the type of responses you are looking for.

Before posting, re-read to see if it would make sense to someone else not looking at your Fitbit or phone.

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‎04-27-2019 11:09

In response to JohnnyRow

‎04-27-2019 11:09

The algorithm is based on an average person and uses the personal data setup in their Fitbit account.  Weight,  age,  height,  gender,  etc. If one of these are wrong the caloric burn will also be off.

That said it still is possible that it will still be off since we are not all average built. However with the heat rate Fitbit has a better chance of getting things correct. 

I have seen videos with comparisons to commercial machines that gave a close enough reading with Fitbit. 

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‎04-29-2019 03:21

In response to Rich_Laue

‎04-29-2019 03:21

Thanks Rich.  Based on the comparisons you mention and that I am above the standard height/weight that the algorithm uses, could I assume that my calories burned is underestimated?

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