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question

How can I figure out the amount of calories I need?

Kat Barefield, MS, RD
Kat Barefield, MS, RD on behalf of dotFIT
Nutrition & Dietetics
answer

The free Sharecare Fitness App under your Coach tab will do it for you if you're a member. For a general estimation, use the following:

  • 13-15 calories per pound of weight if you get less than 30 minutes of activity per day
  • 15-19 calories per pound of body weight if you get 30-60 minutes of activity per day
  • 19-21 calories per pound of body weight if you get 60-90 minutes of activity per day

Your age, weight, height, gender and average daily activity level determine the amount of calories you need to maintain your current weight. Your goal weight and the timeframe to achieve it determine how many calories below your daily maintenance calories you’ll need to consume each day. As an example, if your maintenance calories are 2000 and you want to lose a pound a week, , your daily calorie intake will need to average 1500 since 1 pound of fat contains 3500 calories (7 days X 500 calories = 3500 calorie daily deficit).

One single fact determines the rate of weight/fat lost: the average daily calorie deficit, which is the difference between how much energy (calories) is expended and the amount consumed – (and you can’t spot reduce). Your weight loss should not compromise health or performance. We recommend you lose 1/2 to 2 pounds per week.

Todd Townes - Sharecare Fitness Expert
Todd Townes - Sharecare Fitness Expert on behalf of Sharecare Fitness
Fitness
answer
Join the Dr. Oz Move It and Lose It in 2011 Challenge. The program will do it for you. You will create a goal and the system will calculate the calories needed to meet your goal. If your goal is weight loss, your caloric intake should be lower than the total amount of calories burned. The system also allows for you to track your calories (intake and expenditure) across the 11 week period.

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Important: This content reflects information from various individuals and organizations and may offer alternative or opposing points of view. It should not be used for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. As always, you should consult with your healthcare provider about your specific health needs.