Prior to implementing any nutritional adjustments or physical training protocols facilitated by this application, it is imperative to consult with a qualified healthcare provider. The insights and data generated herein are intended for educational and informational purposes only; they do not constitute clinical diagnosis, medical advice, or a substitute for professional therapeutic intervention. Reliance on this information for managing specific health conditions is strictly at the user's discretion, and direct medical supervision is always recommended.

Our Scientific Framework: Evidence & References

At CalNinja, we transform complex clinical research into actionable wellness tools. All health guidance and feature-specific logic within our platform are derived from peer-reviewed literature, professional clinical guidelines, and institutional standards.

01. Core Anthropometrics & Metabolic Standards

These references establish our foundational logic for BMI assessment, weight goals, and Basal Metabolic Rate (BMR) forecasting.

  • Assessing your Weight.
    Organization: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
  • Physiology, Body Mass Index.
    Citation: Zierle-Ghosh A, Jan A. [Updated 2023 Nov 5]. StatPearls [Internet].
  • Body Mass Index Categories in Observational Studies of Weight and Risk of Death.
    Journal: Flegal et. al., American Journal of Epidemiology (2014).
  • Comparison of predictive equations for resting metabolic rate in healthy nonobese and obese adults: a systematic review.
    Journal: Frankenfield et. al., J Am Diet Assoc (2005).
  • Clinical Guidelines on the Identification, Evaluation, and Treatment of Overweight and Obesity in Adults — The Evidence Report.
    Organization: National Institutes of Health (NIH).

02. Nutritional Science & Dietary Patterns

The empirical data behind our meal planning, satiety targets, and nutrient-specific recommendations.

  • Dietary reference intakes for energy, carbohydrate, fiber, fat, fatty acids, cholesterol, protein and amino acids.
    Journal: Trumbo P, et. al., J Am Diet Assoc (2002).
  • Protein, weight management, and satiety.
    Journal: Paddon-Jones D, et. al., Am J Clin Nutr (2008).
  • Saturated fats and cardiovascular health: Current evidence and controversies.
    Journal: Maki KC, J Clin Lipidol (2021).
  • Vegan Diet Health Benefits in Metabolic Syndrome.
    Journal: Marrone G, et. al., Nutrients (2021).
  • Review of current evidence and clinical recommendations on the effects of low-carbohydrate and very-low-carbohydrate (including ketogenic) diets for the management of body weight and other cardiometabolic risk factors.
    Journal: Kirkpatrick C, et. al., NLA Scientific Statement (2019).
  • Modern vision of the Mediterranean diet.
    Journal: Kiani A et. al., J Prev Med Hyg (2022).
  • Ultra-processed foods: what they are and how to identify them.
    Journal: Monteiro C et. al., Public Health Nutr (2019).
  • Dietary Guidelines for Americans.
    Organization: USDA & U.S. Health and Human Services.

03. Specialized Protocols: Intermittent Fasting (IF)

Clinical data informing our time-restricted feeding features and fasting guidance.

  • Time-Restricted Eating Without Calorie Counting for Weight Loss in a Racially Diverse Population: A Randomized Controlled Trial.
    Journal: Lin S, et al., Annals of Internal Medicine (2023).
  • Effect of time restricted eating on body weight and fasting glucose in participants with obesity: results of a randomized, controlled, virtual clinical trial.
    Journal: Peeke PM, et. al., Nutr Diabetes (2021).
  • Adherence to Time-Restricted Feeding and Impact on Abdominal Obesity in Primary Care Patients: Results of a Pilot Study in a Pre-Post Design.
    Journal: Kesztyüs D, et. al., Nutrients (2019).
  • Effects of 8-hour time restricted feeding on body weight and metabolic disease risk factors in obese adults: A pilot study.
    Journal: Gabel K, et. al., Nutr Healthy Aging (2018).

04. Performance Nutrition & Physiological Activity

Research supporting our exercise recommendations and sports nutrition guidance.

  • International Society of Sports Nutrition Position Stand: protein and exercise.
    Journal: Jäger R, et. al., J Int Soc Sports Nutr (2017).
  • ISSN exercise & sports nutrition review update: research & recommendations.
    Journal: Kerksick CM, et. al., J Int Soc Sports Nutr (2018).
  • Exercise and metabolic health: beyond skeletal muscle.
    Journal: Thyfault JP, Diabetologia (2020).
  • Lipid Metabolism During Exercise.
    Journal: Ranallo, R.F., Rhodes, E.C., Sports Med (1998).
  • Benefits of physical activity.
    Organization: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

05. Behavioral Science & Self-Monitoring

Evidence for tracking behaviors and mindfulness-based approaches to weight management.

  • The Effect of Adherence to Dietary Tracking on Weight Loss: Using HLM to Model Weight Loss over Time.
    Journal: Ingels JS et. al., J Diabetes Res (2017).
  • Making concrete construals mindful: a novel approach for developing mindfulness and self-compassion to assist weight loss.
    Journal: Mantzios M, et al., Psychol Health (2014).

06. Systemic Wellness: Stress, Sleep & Micronutrients

Research on holistic health factors that influence metabolic outcomes.

  • The impact of stress on body function: A review.
    Journal: Yaribeygi H, et. al., EXCLI journal (2017).
  • The effects of physical activity on cortisol and sleep: A systematic review and meta-analysis.
    Journal: De Nys L, et. al., Psychoneuroendocrinology (2022).
  • Vitamin C and Immune Function.
    Journal: Carr AC, Maggini S, Nutrients (2017).
  • Optimal diets for prevention of coronary heart disease.
    Journal: Hu FB, Willett WC, JAMA (2002).

07. Regulatory & Safety Standards

Guidelines ensuring compliance with food labeling regulations and clinical safety protocols.

  • Federal Code of Regulations: Part 101 - Food Labeling.
    Source: Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
  • Current approach to eating disorders: a clinical update.
    Journal: Hay P., Intern Med J (2020).
  • 2019 ACC/AHA Guideline on the Primary Prevention of Cardiovascular Disease.
    Journal: Arnett D, et. al., Circulation (2019).