How Many Calories Should I Eat?

Overview

We know body weight is linked to the calories you eat. But what is a calorie, exactly? How many calories should you consume each day? Let's take a few minutes to learn about calories and what they mean for you.

What is a calorie?

A calorie is actually a measurement of energy. It's a specific amount of energy released when your body breaks down foods and certain drinks. Foods and drinks with a lot of calories release a lot of energy. Your body uses this energy to power itself. If you take in more calories than your body needs, the extra calories are stored as fat. A pound of body fat stores about 3,500 calories.

If you're trying to maintain weight

The amount of calories you need depends on several things. Your age, size and activity level are all important factors. In general, men who are trying to maintain their weight should eat between 2,000 and 3,200 calories per day. Women should eat between 1,600 and 2,400.

If you're trying to lose weight

Of course, if you're trying to lose weight, you'll need to cut calories. In theory, cutting 500 calories per day lets you lose about one pound of fat every week. But in reality, weight loss is more complicated than that. If you want to lose weight, talk to your doctor first. Learn what weight loss methods that are safe for you, and what results you may be able to expect.

Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.