The number of calories you should consume each day to lose weight or maintain a healthy weight varies depending on your age, gender, body type and level of physical activity. When trying to lose weight and/or increase your overall health, it's important to focus on healthy calories from nutritious sources, like fruits and vegetables, rather than from empty calorie sources, like sugary treats and soda.
Children
Children need an adequate number of calories each day in order to grow and develop properly; however, this figure may not be as high as their parent's daily requirements. According to the 2005 Dietary Guidelines for Americans, moderately active children ages 2 to 3 should be consuming between 1,000 and 1,400 calories per day. Older children who are equally active each day should shoot for 1,200 to 2,800 calories per day depending on their age and gender. In general, females require fewer calories than males, and as a child ages, he needs more calories each day in order to remain within a healthy caloric balance.
Young Athletes
Children and teens who play sports or live active lifestyles require additional calories per day in order to compensate for the extra energy burned throughout the day. Depending on their age and physical activity level, kids and teens may require from 2,000 to 5,000 calories per day, according to Teens Health -- a nonprofit organization specializing in the health of children and teens. For a more exact number of caloric needs for young athletes, use the free online tool at MyPyramid.gov.
Adult Women
Adult women who live sedentary lifestyles should aim for 2,000 calories per day, according to the Dietary Guidelines for Americans. Women who are a bit more physically active may require 2,200 to 2,400 calories per day. These same guidelines point out that as a woman ages, her calorie requirements may decrease. For instance, a sedentary woman over age 50 may only need 1,600 calories per day. The Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommends that women never eat fewer than 1,200 calories per day when trying to lose weight.
Adult Males
Men ages 19 to 30 may require 2,400 to 3,200 calories per day depending upon their body type, age and daily physical activity level. Like women, men require fewer calories in their diet as they age. For example, men over age 50 require 2,000 to 2,800 calories per day depending on the same factors as women, according to the USDA guidelines.
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