Estimated dailycalorieneeds range from 1,6002,400 calories for adult women and 2,0003,200 calories for adult men.

The exact amount varies depending on factors such as age, height, weight, and activity levels.

The amount will vary from person to person.

Two friends enjoy ice cream sitting on a step outdoors

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One method for calculating your individual calorie needs is with a formula called the Mifflin-St. Jeor equation.

The Mifflin-St. Jeor equation determines your RMR by your sex, weight, height, and age.

This is your active metabolic rate (AMR).

What Is a Calorie?

A calorie (or kilocalorie) is a common unit of energy for expressing the nutritional value of foods.

To gain weight, you should probably take in more calories than your AMR.

Of course, weight loss or gain is more nuanced than this.

A reasonable weight loss goal is to lose about 12 pounds per week.

That1,200 caloriesis at the low end of the recommended calorie range for adult women is important to note.

Combining physical activity with a reduced-calorie diet is recommendedto help maintainlean muscle massas you lose weight.

As always, consult a healthcare professional before changing your diet or eating pattern.

Below are some potential pros and cons of counting calories.

Below are foods that fall into each of these categories.

Recognize those times and find ways to get back on course.

Remember the big picture and always strive for that end goal.

Little changes in the short term add up to big progress in the long run.

Understand that weight loss or weight gain is not always linear.

The scale will have its ups and downs throughout your weight loss (or gain) journey.

Realize weight loss is about realistic lifestyle changes.

Weight loss isnt just about cutting calories and being on a diet to reach a certain weight.

Find a support system.

To lose weight, you must take in fewercalories than you burn.

To gain weight, it’s crucial that you consume more calories than you burn.

Protein is an important nutrient to increase for muscle gain, as are healthy fats and carbohydrates.

Adding 5001,000 calories per day may be appropriate for gaining weight.

It may lead you to focus on the quantity of your calories instead of the quality of your diet.

Lower-calorie foods include many fruits, vegetables, lean meats, low-fat dairy, whole grains, and legumes.

Keeping the big picture in mind when working toward better health can help you achieve your long-term goals.

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American Heart Association.Saturated fat.

American Heart Association.Get the scoop on sodium and salt.

Wu G.Dietary protein intake and human health.Food Funct.

2017 Jan;117(1):146].J Acad Nutr Diet.