Step-by-Step Guide to Changing Units in MyFitnessPal
For the MyFitnessPal Mobile App (iOS & Android)
Whether you use an iPhone or an Android device, the process for changing your energy units is straightforward and follows a very similar path. Here’s a breakdown:
- Open the App: Launch the MyFitnessPal application on your smartphone.
- Navigate to 'More': Tap the 'More' button. On iOS, this is located in the bottom-right corner of the screen. For Android users, it may appear as three horizontal lines (a hamburger menu) in the top-left.
- Access 'Settings': In the 'More' menu, scroll down and select 'Settings'.
- Go to 'Edit Profile' or 'Profile': Within the Settings menu, you will find 'Edit Profile' (or simply 'Profile' on some iOS versions). Tap this.
- Change 'Units': Locate and tap the 'Units' option. This is where you can manage various units of measure for your profile, including weight, height, distance, and energy.
- Select Energy Unit: Find the 'Energy' unit option and tap it. A list of available units will appear, such as 'kilojoules (kJ)' and 'calories'. Select 'calories'.
- Confirm and Save: After selecting your new energy unit, make sure to save the changes. This might involve tapping a checkmark icon or a 'Confirm' or 'OK' button. The app will then sync your new preference, and all your future tracking will display calories instead of kilojoules.
For the MyFitnessPal Website
If you prefer to manage your settings from a desktop or web browser, the process is equally simple:
- Log In: Go to the MyFitnessPal website and log in to your account.
- Access 'My Home': Click 'My Home' from the top navigation menu.
- Go to 'Settings': From the 'My Home' dropdown, choose 'Settings'.
- Select 'Change Units': On the Settings page, look for and click the 'Change Units' option.
- Update 'Energy': Find the 'Energy' setting and switch it from 'kJ' to 'calories'.
- Save Changes: Click the 'Save Changes' button at the bottom of the page. Your new unit preference will automatically sync to your mobile app the next time it connects.
Why the Two Measurement Systems?
The difference between kilojoules (kJ) and calories (kcal) is a matter of geographical and historical convention. Both are units for measuring energy, but they belong to different systems. The International System of Units (SI), used widely for scientific purposes, designates the joule as the standard unit for energy. This is why many countries, particularly Australia and parts of Europe, label food products with kilojoules. In contrast, the United States and other regions have long used the calorie (specifically, the kilocalorie, though often just called 'calorie') as their primary energy measure.
A Quick Comparison: Calories vs. Kilojoules
| Feature | Calories (kcal) | Kilojoules (kJ) |
|---|---|---|
| Definition | A unit of energy representing the amount of heat needed to raise the temperature of 1 kilogram of water by 1 degree Celsius. | The international standard (SI) unit for energy measurement. |
| Conversion | $1 kcal \approx 4.184 kJ$. | $1 kJ \approx 0.239 kcal$. |
| Common Usage | Predominantly used in the United States and the United Kingdom. | Commonly used in Australia, New Zealand, and parts of Europe. |
| Tracking Method | Many users find smaller numbers easier to track mentally. | Requires dividing by approximately 4.2 for a quick calorie estimate. |
Conclusion
Switching your MyFitnessPal settings from kilojoules to calories is a simple process that can be done in minutes, whether on the mobile app or via the website. By following the steps outlined above, you can ensure your food logging and goal tracking are displayed in the energy unit you are most familiar with. This customization can make your nutritional tracking experience more intuitive and accurate, helping you stay on top of your health and fitness goals. If you encounter any issues, resetting the app or re-syncing your account via the web can often resolve the problem.
