How to Change Units on the MyFitnessPal Mobile App
Changing your energy unit preference from kilojoules (kJ) to calories (kcal) is a straightforward process within the MyFitnessPal mobile app. The steps may vary slightly between iOS and Android, but the overall navigation is similar.
For iPhone (iOS) Users
- Open the MyFitnessPal app on your iPhone.
- Tap the "More" tab, usually found in the bottom right-hand corner of the screen.
- Navigate to "Settings" from the menu.
- Select "Profile" or "Edit Profile." Some versions may have "Units" as a direct option here.
- Choose "Units."
- Find the "Energy" unit and tap on it.
- Select "Calories (kcal)" from the list of options.
- Confirm or save your changes, and the app will now display all energy values in calories.
For Android Users
- Launch the MyFitnessPal application on your Android device.
- Tap the menu icon, typically located in the top left-hand corner (three horizontal lines).
- Scroll down and select "Settings."
- Tap on "Edit Profile" or go to the "My Account" tab.
- Look for "Units" and tap on it.
- Change the "Energy" unit to "Calories (kcal)" from the menu.
- Tap the checkmark or "OK" button to save the new settings.
Changing Units on the MyFitnessPal Website
For those who prefer to manage their account on a desktop or browser, the process is equally simple.
- Go to the MyFitnessPal website and log into your account.
- Click on "My Home" at the top of the page.
- Hover over the "Settings" tab and click on "Change Units" from the dropdown menu.
- Select "Calories (kcal)" from the energy unit options.
- Click "Save Changes" at the bottom of the page.
Why the Different Units Exist: Kilojoules vs. Calories
Understanding the difference between kilojoules and calories can help you feel more in control of your nutrition tracking. Both are units of energy, but they originate from different systems of measurement.
- Kilojoules (kJ): This is the metric unit for energy and is part of the International System of Units (SI). It is the standard unit used for nutritional information in countries like Australia and New Zealand.
- Calories (kcal): This is the unit of energy used primarily in the United States and the United Kingdom. In a nutritional context, when people say "calories," they are almost always referring to kilocalories (kcal).
The conversion factor is approximately 1 calorie (kcal) = 4.184 kilojoules (kJ).
Calorie vs. Kilojoule Tracking: Which is Better for Your Goals?
Your primary goal should be consistency, regardless of the unit. The most important thing is to understand what you're tracking and how it relates to your dietary needs. The data is functionally identical; it is simply presented in a different format.
| Feature | Calorie (kcal) Tracking | Kilojoule (kJ) Tracking |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Use | Predominantly in the US and UK | Standard in Australia and other metric regions |
| Conversion | $1 kcal \approx 4.184 kJ$ | $1 kJ \approx 0.239 kcal$ |
| Label Reading | Easy in US and UK markets | Easier for labels in metric regions |
| Popularity | More common globally in mainstream media | More common in scientific literature and certain health contexts |
| Tracking Method | Same core MyFitnessPal functionality | Same core MyFitnessPal functionality |
Potential Issues and Troubleshooting
While changing the unit is usually seamless, some users report minor issues. If your energy units don't update immediately, or if some features seem stuck, here are a few steps to take:
- Force Quit and Restart: Close the MyFitnessPal app completely and reopen it to force a settings refresh.
- Clear Cache: Sometimes, clearing the app's cache (if available on your device) can resolve synchronization issues.
- Reinstall the App: As a last resort, uninstalling and reinstalling the app can clear any corrupted data. Remember to sync your data to the cloud before doing so.
- Contact Support: If problems persist, MyFitnessPal's official support channels are the best resource.
The Final Word
MyFitnessPal offers the flexibility to display your nutritional information in the unit that is most familiar and convenient for you, whether that's kilojoules or calories. The option to switch between these energy units is easily accessible in the app and on the website's settings menu. By tailoring your tracking experience, you can ensure consistency and accuracy as you pursue your health and fitness goals. No matter which unit you choose, the key to success remains diligent and consistent tracking.
Conclusion
Changing your energy unit from kilojoules to calories on MyFitnessPal is a quick and simple process, available on both the mobile app and website. This customization allows users to align their tracking with regional dietary information or personal preferences, ensuring a smoother and more intuitive experience. The platform is designed to be adaptable, empowering you to focus on your health goals without getting bogged down by measurement inconsistencies.
Authoritative Link
For a detailed explanation on the difference between calories and kilojoules, and how the units are used in nutrition, check out this article from Healthline.
