Daily Calorie Requirements

     Energy balance is a term often used when a person's intake (calories eaten) equals a person's energy expenditure (calories burned). There are three possible situations:

Intake > Expenditure = Weight Gain
Intake < Expenditure = Weight Loss
Intake = Expenditure = Weight Stabilization

     A person's daily calorie intake can be measured by keeping a food diary and calculating the number of calories eaten during the day. Calculating energy expenditure is not as easy, however. A person's daily energy expenditure can be estimated. One of the most recently validated and not-too-complicated methods is the Miffin-St. Jeor Equation. This equation estimates the number of calories you need daily to maintain your weight. Unless otherwise prescribed by your physician, you should aim for a 1-2 pound weight loss per week if you want to lose weight and keep it off. A pound of weight translates into about 3500 calories, so this means cutting your intake by 3500-7000 calories a week or 500-1000 calories per day.

     To help you estimate your daily calorie needs (to maintain your present weight), we provide here a simple Daily Calorie Requirements Calculator. In order to estimate your daily calorie needs accurately, please answer the questions below as accurately as possible.