New and Noteworthy
New Feature: Expenditure V3
Earlier this month, we released Version 3 of our smart expenditure algorithm. We’ve been working on this for quite a while, and we’re thrilled to introduce an expenditure algorithm that’s more responsive, stable, accurate, and resilient to missing data than its predecessors.
Here’s a quick rundown of some of the changes and improvements:
The new algorithm is more responsive to meaningful changes in your expenditure, while also being more stable when faced with transient fluctuations in weight.
That’s great news for everyone, but might be especially cool for users who menstruate. Users who experience large temporary shifts in weight during different phases of their menstrual cycle should see a marked improvement in algorithm’s performance. This improvement doesn’t require period tracking to apply.
In addition, Expenditure V3 is more resilient to missing data, requiring only 3 days of consistent tracking to unpause after a period of inactivity. It performs better, even when it has less data.
If you’d like an in-depth look at the new expenditure algorithm, check out our new article on the website. (There’s also a section of the article that addresses why your estimated expenditure might be a bit lower in V3 than in V2.)
An In-Depth Look at MacroFactor’s New V3 Expenditure Algorithm
New Feature: Updated bulking recommendations
In addition to the expenditure algorithm update, we have also updated our bulking recommendations in the app in accordance with our recent review of literature on muscle gain.
These recommended rates of weight gain (specifically for beginner and intermediate lifters) are considerably faster than our prior recommendations. The main reason for this change is that the amount of research on bulking has increased by 150% since we were initially formulating our recommendations.
We continuously monitor the research to ensure that our recommendations reflect the best available evidence, and we deemed that there’s now sufficient evidence to conclude that beginner and intermediate lifters can achieve faster rates of muscle growth, while still minimizing fat gain, with rates of weight gain that are a fair bit faster than our prior recommendations.
To learn more about what we found during our recent review of literature on muscle gain, check out our new article on the topic.
How Fast Should You Gain Weight When Bulking?
New articles this month
In addition to the two articles linked above that tied in with new features, we published 5 other articles this month.
Is There a Max Amount of Protein Intake Per Meal? Per Day?
Are Low-Carb and Keto Diets Good for Fat Loss?
Does Fiber Have Calories?
How Fast Should You Lose Weight When Cutting?
Plus, a cutting rate calculator that will help guide your decision making.
Case Study: Sergio Gonzalez
Sergio dropped 92lb by using MacroFactor to fine-tune his food tracking. He has transformed his life and health over the past two years, balancing weight loss while maintaining — and even gaining — muscle mass.
“I was obese my whole life,” he said. “Losing weight was just one (big) part of my journey, but so was muscle growth and tracking other health aspects. Obviously, I could say my biggest win was losing 150lb (and I am very proud of that), but I think the bigger win is how MacroFactor helped me permanently turn my life around for the better.”
Check out his case study to see how he stayed motivated throughout the process and his plans for maintaining his results.
Success Story: Zach Conley
Zach Conley is a father of two who had his sights set on his ideal body fat percentage. After stumbling across Jeff Nippard’s YouTube, he chose MacroFactor to help him achieve this goal.
“One of my main goals is to get down to 15% body fat at about 170lbs. My last cut got me down to 17% at 172 lbs. When I started 3 years ago I was at 215 and 25% fat. I’ve done several cuts, and maintenance phases to get here. I’m currently in a lean bulk up to 180 lbs to build muscle and strength. I will cut again in January to try and get down to 15% fat.”
When asked what his biggest win with Macrofactor has been, Zach said:
“Having good information and structure to get down to 17% body fat and love the way I look in the mirror.”
In Case You Missed It
We share a lot of informative content on our Instagram and in our groups on Facebook and Reddit throughout the month.
Here are some of our favorites from the past few weeks, in case you missed them.
What We’re Working On
Last month, we shared that you’ll soon be able to track your step data in MacroFactor alongside your nutrition and weight data. We are still working on this exciting feature, but wanted to share one more thing that we’re currently working on…
MacroFactor’s Dashboard is your go-to place for all your key insights and metrics, and it’s about to get more personalized!
We’re working on a major upgrade that will allow you to customize your Dashboard and make it truly your own. Soon, you’ll have more control over the metrics and insights that matter most to you — whether it’s nutrition, body metrics, or habits.
To learn more about what we’re working on, check our public roadmap to see our plans for new features and improvements. You can also submit features for consideration and vote on the upcoming features that are the highest priority to you.