Calories are what provides the body with energy. Therefore, they are necessary for survival. However, if a person takes in more calories from food than is burned with activity, they will gain weight. If the person eats an inadequate number of calories weight will be lost. It is important to understand how many calories are required for good health. Below is some information that may help to answer the question “How many calories should I eat?”.
The number of required calories differs for men and women. As well, factors such as age and level of activity affect the required caloric intake of an individual. Younger people require a larger number of calories. As a person grows older metabolism slows and calories are burned at a slower rate. As a result, elderly individuals require less calories per day. Those who are exceptionally active will need a greater number of calories. This will supply them with the energy levels needed to accomplish activity. People who are less activity do not use as much energy. They do not need as many calories for daily functions.
The Institute of Medicine published the following numbers as a general guide to daily calorie intake.
• Men who are among the ages of 19-30 require 2,400 daily calories if mildly active, 2,600-2,800 daily calories if moderately active, 3,000 daily calories if very active.
• Men who are among the ages of 31-50 require 2200 daily calories if mildly active, 2,400-2,600 daily calories if moderately active, 2,800-3000 daily calories if very active.
• Men who ages of 51+require 2,000 daily calories if mildly active, 2,200-2400 daily calories if moderately active, 2,400-2800 daily calories if very active.
• Women who are among the ages of 19-30 require 2,000 daily calories if mildly active, 2,000-2,200 daily calories if moderately active, 2,400 daily calories if very active.
• Women who are among the ages of 31-50 require 1,800 daily calories if mildly active, 2,000 daily calories if moderately active, 2,200 daily calories if very active.
• Women who are ages 51+ require 1,600 daily calories if mildly active, 1,800 daily calories if moderately active, 2,000-2,200 daily calories if very active.
The above numbers are only a guide to answer the question “How many calories should I eat?” Needed calorie intake may differ due to health conditions or for those persons trying to achieve weight loss. If a person wants to lose weight the calories must be reduced. Less calories should be consumed than are burned with exercise. A doctor or health care physician can help to determine an appropriate diet plan for healthy weight loss.
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