Below, is the recommend calorie intake, separated by age and sex, from the Dietary Guideline for Americans.
Adults generally need between 1,600 and 3,000 calories per day. However, the specific number of calories someone should consume depends on factors such as age, sex, height, weight, activity level, and overall health.
A calorie is defined as the amount of energy required to raise the temperature of 1 gram of water by 1°C. The food we eat provides us with the energy we need, and the balance between the calories consumed and the energy used by the body determines whether we gain, lose, or maintain weight.
According to the 2020-2025 Dietary Guidelines for Americans, adult women typically require 1,600 to 2,400 calories per day, while adult men generally need 2,200 to 3,000 calories. These numbers can vary depending on individual factors like lifestyle and activity level.
If a person consistently eats more calories than needed, they may gain weight. On the other hand, consuming fewer calories than the body requires can lead to weight loss, with the body using stored fat and muscle for energy.
