Calorie count on a treadmill

[pushkarvaidya]

I have a very basic question related to energy here.
We all know that calorie is a measure of energy.
Also Energy spent = work done (ignore efficiency)

When you walk 1 mile on a treadmill you are doing some amount of work. Based on the above equation you are using up some amount of energy. This energy is measured in calories.
Now suppose you walk the same distance, but in half the time, you are still doing the same amount of work (of walking 1 mile) so you are using the same amount of energy. The only difference is that you are doing it at a faster rate.

Why does the calorie counter on a treadmill give dramatically different values in both of the above cases.
Is the work done in both cases not the same? Should the calories burned not be the same?.

Please help me resolve this question.

 

[FredGarvin]

Mechanical work is not the same as the chemical work your body has to do. While you are still going the same distance, think of how many more times during that mile that you breathe and your heart beats. Think of how much warmer your body becomes. All of that is the extra work you are not accounting for by simply looking at the mechanical work.

 

[sir-pinski]

The calorie counter on a treadmill may give different values in both cases because it takes into account not only the distance and time, but also other factors such as your weight, age, and speed. These factors can affect the amount of energy you use while walking, and therefore the number of calories burned.

Additionally, the calorie counter may also factor in the incline or resistance level of the treadmill, which can increase the difficulty and therefore the amount of work and energy required to walk the same distance.

It's also important to note that the equation "energy spent = work done" is a simplified concept and does not take into account the efficiency of the body and its ability to use energy. Some people may have a higher or lower metabolic rate, meaning they may burn more or less calories for the same amount of work.

Overall, while the work done may be the same, there are various factors that can affect the number of calories burned while walking on a treadmill, leading to different values on the calorie counter. It's best to use the calorie counter as a general guide and not rely on it completely, as it may not accurately reflect the individual's energy expenditure.