How to read calorie balance
Calorie balance = calories eaten − calories burned. Intake comes from food and drink. Burn includes energy used at rest and during activity. A negative balance means the recorded burn exceeded recorded intake on that day.
One day's balance does not determine a change in body fat. Both intake and burn can be estimates, and body weight also changes with water and other factors. Look at trends rather than a single daily number.
Start with your records
- Log meals and drinks in a way you can sustain. Calorithm supports manual entry, presets, and optional AI estimates.
- Connect Apple Health or Health Connect to import burn data you allow. Missing records or permissions mean some values cannot be shown.
- Check today's balance, then use trends and daily, weekly, or monthly reviews to reflect on your records.
If a meal is missing or health data has not synced yet, the displayed balance can change. Do not assume missing data means zero; check the source record and date.
Common questions
Does a negative balance guarantee weight loss?
No. The recorded difference is an estimate, not a guarantee. Short-term weight changes can reflect water and other factors.
Is burn zero on a day without exercise?
No. Your body uses energy even at rest. What the app can show depends on the records and permissions in your connected health service.
Should I sharply restrict food to change the number?
Do not use this page or an app estimate alone as a reason for extreme restriction. Individual needs vary. Ask a qualified health professional if you have health concerns, are pregnant, growing, or receiving treatment.
Source and scope
For the basic relationship between intake and burn and the importance of appropriate energy intake, see the Japanese Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare's e-HealthNet. Calorithm values are not a diagnosis or treatment plan.