The number of calories a person should consume per day varies depending on factors such as age, gender, activity level, and weight goals. Generally, adult women need between 1,600 and 2,400 calories per day, while adult men require between 2,000 and 3,000 calories per day. These are broad ranges that cover sedentary to active lifestyles. Here is a summary of calorie needs based on gender and activity level: Women:
- Sedentary: 1,600 to 2,000 calories
- Moderately active: 1,800 to 2,200 calories
- Active: 2,000 to 2,400 calories
Men:
- Sedentary: 2,000 to 2,400 calories
- Moderately active: 2,200 to 2,800 calories
- Active: 2,400 to 3,000 calories
These ranges adjust by age, with calorie needs generally decreasing as people get older due to slower metabolism. Weight goals also influence calorie intake; to lose weight, one should consume fewer calories than burned, and to gain weight, more calories than burned. A minimum intake of about 1,200 calories per day for women and 1,500 for men is recommended to ensure adequate nutrient intake. In summary, the average estimated daily calorie needs are around 2,000 calories for women and 2,500 calories for men, but individual needs can vary widely based on lifestyle and personal factors.
