This is generally the correct answer. Online TDEE calculators almost always overestimate expenditure, as do smartwatches. On the intake side, people lie to the

This is generally the correct answer. Online TDEE calculators almost always overestimate expenditure, as do smartwatches. On the intake side, people lie to themselves constantly. First, they generally don't actually weigh their portions. In the rare event they really are weighing their food, they'll "accidentally" load up 4.3oz of something, then input it into their tracker as 4oz. Then they'll neglect to log their sauces and condiments, because it's "only" 20kcal for a tablespoon. These discrepancies add up. Invariably, these ridiculous claims come down to people being liars, not just to others, but to themselves.