Active calories only

[MarMarr]

Is it possible to create a watch face that shows active calories only??? It would be very helpful and easy to see how active you are

[Gondwana]

I'll confess that I moved your post to the SDK forum, because the SDK is used to create watch faces.

To answer your question: yes, it is possible. The SDK can provide the user's BMR; active calories are those in excess of those associated with BMR.

There are a few clockfaces in the Fitbit Gallery that can do this, or provide the option for it. Search for 'basal' or 'BMR'.

[MarMarr]

 i mean something that shows active calories like this. No BMR calories, strictly active

[Gondwana]

I figured that. There are some clockfaces that will display 0 if you never exceed BMR (which is actually hard to do).

[Guy_]

Hi @MarMarr - what is shown in the Today app  of smart watches and on clock faces generally is the total calories so far for the day.

To show only active calories you would have to calculate your normal (for you) non active calorie rate, which can vary for sleep and restful wake, using the exact same algorithms that Fitbit use which may be hard to replicate, and make the difference.

You could make some approximations but it is unlikely to be very accurate, too many variables.

Given erratic heart rate measurements on some watches (compared to others) you may not get very representative results.

[Gondwana]

Actually, Fitbit has been kind enough to document the BMR calculation they use.

[Guy_]

@MarMarr  - note, not all apps or clocks in the online Gallery work on every smart watch, so worth checking if you go that route.

If you write your own you may be able to check your BMR calculation by turning off Bluetooth on the phone before midnight.

Next day got to your online dashboard and compare the calorie result shown with what you calculate.

Then turn on Bluetooth and sync with the phone. Refresh the web page and note the difference in calories and see if it matches your results.

Due to the HR issues on some watches (depending on person, watch, and activities or number of floors which don't count directly towards calories) the results may not be very accurate, only indicative at best.

[Gondwana]

...or just get the BMR estimate from here.