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    Eating the Right Number of Calories (2020-2025 Guidelines)

    Calories are a measure of the energy you get from food and beverages. You will gain weight if you eat more calories than you use. You should lose weight if you eat fewer calories than you use. Below are tables that give the estimated number of calories needed each day. Look for your gender, age, and activity level. You should stay at your weight if you stick to this number. Note that this is an estimated number of calories.* Your exact number may be different.

    Women

    Age in years

    Not active (calories/day)

    Moderately active (calories/day)

    Active (calories/day)

    19 to 30

    1,800–2,000

    2,000–2,200

    2,400

    31 to 50

    1,800

    2,000

    2,200

    51 and older

    1,600

    1,800

    2,000–2,200

    Men

    Age in years

    Not active (calories/day)

    Moderately active (calories/day)

    Active (calories/day)

    19 to 30

    2,400–2,600

    2,600–2,800

    3,000

    31 to 50

    2,200–2,400

    2,400–2,600

    2,800–3,000

    51 and older

    2,000–2,200

    2,200–2,400

    2,400–2,800

    Activity levels defined

    • Not active (sedentary). Only light physical activity. This means activity done during typical daily life.

    • Moderately active. Light physical activity done during typical daily life. But added to this is physical activity equal to walking about 1.5 to 3 miles a day at 3 to 4 miles per hour.

    • Active. Light physical activity done during typical daily life. But added to this physical activity equal to walking more than 3 miles a day at 3 to 4 miles per hour.

    * From Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2020-2025, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The estimated levels for women don't include pregnant or lactating people. Ask your healthcare provider about your nutrition needs during and after pregnancy.

    Online Medical Reviewer: Brittany Poulson MDA RDN CD CDE
    Online Medical Reviewer: Jessica Gotwals RN BSN MPH
    Online Medical Reviewer: Robert Hurd MD
    Date Last Reviewed: 8/1/2022
    © 2000-2024 The StayWell Company, LLC. All rights reserved. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Always follow your healthcare professional's instructions.
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    Southern New Mexico
    Surgery Center

    2301 Indian Wells Rd. Suite B
    Alamogordo, NM 88310
    www.snmsc.org

    Phone: 575.437.0890
    Fax: 575.437.0905
    Email: info@snmsc.org

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