Fitbit devices tracking calories burned data

[Steffiesz]

I've read an article which states that fit bit is way off when estimating caloric burn while walking, it overestimated more than 50%!!! While running it underestimated 4.5% but still I think 50% is really really bad. So I'm really curious are you guys going to change the algorithm? Because I think if you are this much off you should not state caloric burn as a parameter and pretend being able to estimate. It think 5% off would be acceptable but anything more than this makes it a bit shameful. 

Moderator edit: Updated subject for clarity and word choice 

[SilviaFitbit]

It's great to see you around @Steffiesz. Thanks for sharing the article that you read. Sorry for the delayed reply. 

You may want to check this article to know how Fitbit estimate how many calories you've burned and this one about how accuate are Fitbit devices?

If you notice that your information isn't tracked properly, we can troubleshoot it by providing you steps that can help you fixing it. 

I'll be around if you have any additional questions. 

[Skeith68]

hi there - is Fitbit actually planning to correct it’s calorie burn calcs when walking? There are now several studies/articles that conclude it overestimates walking calories but Fitbit seems to be silent on the matter - isn’t it time it fixed it? 

Moderator Edit: Clarified subject

[SilviaFitbit]

@Skeith68 Welcome to the Fitbit Community. 

Fitbit devices combine your basal metabolic rate (BMR)—the rate at which you burn calories at rest to maintain vital body functions (including breathing, blood circulation, and heartbeat)—and your activity data to estimate your calories burned. If your device tracks heart rate, your heart-rate data is also included, especially to estimate calories burned during exercise. The number you see on your Fitbit device is your total calories burned for the day.

Your BMR is based on the physical data you entered in to your Fitbit account (height, weight, sex, and age) and accounts for at least half the calories you burn in a day. Because your body burns calories even if you’re asleep or not moving, you see calories burned on your device when you wake up and will notice this number increase throughout the day.

To find more information, check out this article How accurate are Fitbit devices? 

Have a nice day.