Average Calorie Intake

When it comes to calculating the average calorie intake for a man or a woman, one of the main aspects that need to be considered is the Basal Metabolic Rate, more commonly referred to, as BMR. This term can be described as that energy, which is required by the body, in order to perform the most basic functions, such as sleeping, processing the food in the digestive system, regulating body temperature and pumping blood and oxygen all over the body. Hence, put simply, it can be said that BMR refers to the rate at which the calories are burned, even when your body is in a state of rest, i.e., when you are sleeping or not performing any physical activity. At least 60% to 70% of your total daily recommended calorie allowance is made up of the BMR. The number of calories your body requires for basic functions is at its maximum when you are around the age of twenty. After that, the BMR decreases, by 2% every decade or so. This decline occurs because of factors such as a reduction of physical activity as well as the subsequent loss of muscle tissues. The BMR varies from person to person, based on several factors. This is why there is an average daily calorie intake recommended for different people, keeping such factors into account.

What is the average calorie intake for a man?

Most people believe that in general, men have a higher metabolic rate, in comparison to women, which means that they also need to consume a higher number of calories on a daily basis. In general, health experts advise men to ensure that they eat minimum of 2,000 calories, to 2,200 calories during the course of the day. However, this is merely a general guideline for men and therefore, could vary, based on several situations. Apart from gender, some of the other factors that can influence the recommended average calorie intake for a man include his age, levels of physical fitness height and weight. In case of those men who are overweight any need to lose a few pounds, the daily caloric recommendation may be much lower. On the other hand, those men, who are trying to increase their muscle mass and follow a strenuous workout regime in order to achieve their goal may require many more calories than what is recommended for an average man. Moreover, men who are suffering from any medical condition may need to consume more or fewer calories, depending upon the condition.

What is the average calorie intake for a woman?

When it comes to counting calories, studies indicate that women are more particular and strict, as compared to men. This could be due to the common belief that men have a higher metabolism and therefore burn calories faster than women. There are many women who end up consuming a lot less than the average healthy calorie intake, only because they believe that doing so will help them lose weight faster. However, nothing could be further than the truth. A woman who consumes less than 1,500 calories a day could be depriving her body of the essential nutrients, which could eventually have an adverse effect on her overall health. Many fitness and health experts claim that the average calorie intake for women is between 1,700 and 2,000 calories a day.

Average calorie intake for teenagers

An average teenager goes through several physical changes, due to the surge of hormones. One of the changes that could be seen in teenagers, because of these hormonal fluctuations is rapid weight gain. Since teenagers are very self-conscious about their overall appearance, they may go on a fad diet, because of which they may consume a low number of calories each day. However, in today’s world, most teens are under constant pressure and are very active. Hence, their bodies usually require at least 1,600 calories, to 2,400 calories everyday.

Average calorie intake for children

Children grow at a very fast pace within the first couple of years of their lives and therefore, the calories required by them also changes at a considerable pace. For the first six months, the average daily caloric intake for boys is around 550 to 700 calories and for girls, the recommended caloric intake is approximately 510 and 650 calories a day. Between the ages of seven months, to a year, the number of calories that should be consumed by boys, everyday is 820 to 920 calories. Girls of that age should receive about 760 and 875 calories a day.

Average calorie intake to lose weight

In case you are trying to lose weight, it is important for you to first locate an average calorie intake calculator to get an idea of how many calories you need to consume in a day. Then, you need to calculate the amount of weight you want to lose, in a specific period of time. One pound is equal to 3,500 calories and therefore, in case you plan to lose that much weight in a week, you need to ensure that you cut down on 500 calories a day.

It is always best to consult a dietician or a doctor, to know what your daily caloric intake should be.