Evidence and transparency

Scientific Sources

References and calculation methods that inform TrimWise nutrition, fitness, and general wellness features.

TrimWise uses established equations, public-health guidance, food databases, and published nutrition information as general reference material. These sources support educational estimates—not individualized medical advice. See the Medical Disclaimer.

Energy estimation

Mifflin–St Jeor Equation

TrimWise may use the Mifflin–St Jeor predictive equation as a starting point for estimating resting energy expenditure.

Men: 10W + 6.25H − 5A + 5
Women: 10W + 6.25H − 5A − 161

W = weight in kilograms, H = height in centimeters, A = age in years.

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Nutrition data

USDA FoodData Central

USDA nutrient data may be used to support food search, nutrition values, and food-log information.

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Physical activity

Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans

U.S. evidence-based guidance informs general physical-activity and exercise recommendations.

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Global guidance

World Health Organization

WHO guidelines on physical activity and sedentary behavior inform general movement and activity guidance.

View WHO guidelines →

Exercise science

American College of Sports Medicine

ACSM educational and professional resources inform general exercise-programming principles and fitness terminology.

Visit ACSM →

Public health

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

CDC resources inform general educational content related to physical activity, healthy weight, nutrition, and disease prevention.

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Weight management

NIDDK and NIH

Publicly available federal resources support general educational information about nutrition, body weight, metabolism, and health.

Visit NIDDK →

Additional food data

Open Food Facts

TrimWise may use community-contributed packaged-food information when a food is not available in the app’s local or USDA-supported data. Community data can be incomplete or inaccurate.

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How TrimWise works

How recommendations are calculated

Resting energy: A predictive equation such as Mifflin–St Jeor provides an estimated baseline.
Daily energy needs: Estimated resting energy may be adjusted using user-provided activity level and goals to produce an approximate daily target.
Nutrition targets: Calories and macronutrients are estimates personalized from profile inputs and selected goals.
Workout plans: Plans consider reported fitness level, workout difficulty, available equipment, preferences, and goals.
Food information: Data may come from TrimWise records, USDA FoodData Central, verified restaurant nutrition information, Open Food Facts, or user-entered information.

AI meal estimates and coaching

AI features may generate meal-photo estimates, food-description estimates, meal plans, workout plans, insights, and coaching responses. Outputs are probabilistic estimates and may contain errors. Nutrition estimates may vary because of hidden ingredients, portion size, cooking methods, sauces, restaurant preparation, and image quality.

AI outputs should be reviewed before use and should not be treated as medical, dietary, or exercise prescriptions.

Restaurant and branded-food information

Restaurant and branded-food values may be based on publicly available manufacturer or restaurant information. Actual values may differ due to product reformulation, regional variation, substitutions, serving practices, or customization.

Important limitations

Predictive equations estimate population averages and cannot measure an individual’s true metabolism. Wearable, pedometer, calorie-burn, portion, and energy-balance values are also estimates. Individual needs vary with medical history, body composition, medications, pregnancy, age, disability, training status, and other factors.

Last updated

July 18, 2026