Fit bit does it over estimate

[Trytogetstronger]

I just started using a fit bit and I'm sure it is over estimating how many calories I burn!

Also why do people put it on workout mode? Shouldn't it know your working out by the heart rate anyway?

I do really like the sleep tracker on it as I often wonder if I have a decent amount of sleep or not

Please give me any useful fit bit tips you may have

Yes it does overestimate calories burned. Definitely don't use it as a "yes you're allowed a Mars bar now" indicator, as some people do! I don't really look at the calories burned, more the steps or the active minutes. What are you trying to get out of having one?

I have a Blaze which is quite old and it seems fairly accurate when compared with the readings I used to get from a chest strap HR monitor, and with my Garmin 235 that I have for running. The step count is slightly higher on the fitbit but only very slightly.

My friend has a different fitbit, a Charge I think, and I think it wildly overreads. She gets 700-odd calories from a spin class and reguarly clocks up 20,000 steps a day just from doing housework and the school run.

When I first got one I wrote it alongside my old waist clip pedometer and it overestimated steps a bit (I also did a couple of short trial walks counting my steps in my head, this may have been a bit nerdy!)

I decided it was still worth it for me as the software was better and I can check it throughout the day more easily. I'm using it to remind me to be less sedentary so the reminder to do steps every hour is great and I don't mind if it's a bit out.

I agree with PP, decide what you want from it and then you can judge whether the level of accuracy is a 'good enough' guide. I wouldn't assume it's 100% on any of the measures

Get a Garmin.

I could be wrong as I don’t have a Fitbit (I have an Apple Watch) but from what I’ve seen of friends’ ones doesn’t the calorie estimate include calories that you would have burned anyway just by existing (your BMR/TDEE)?

Either way, as PP have said, use any calorie burning info just as a nice extra, definitely don’t eat back any ‘calories burnt’. That’s usually the advice whatever exercise tech you wear.