The human body uses calories for energy to sustain life and perform daily metabolic functions. Determining the amount of calories needed based on weight requires completing mathematical equations.
Considerations
Begin by weighing yourself, advises MedlinePlus. The sedentary or the obese should consume 10 calories per pound of body weight. If you are not active or are over the age of 55, consume 13 calories daily per pound of weight. If you are moderately active, shoot for 15 calories per pound of weight and 18 calories if you undergo strenuous activity daily.
Calculations
The basal metabolic rate formula uses age, height and body weight to determine energy needs. For women, BMR equals 655 plus (4.35 times weight in pounds) plus (4.7 times height in inches) minus (4.7 times age in years). For men, BMR equals 66 plus (6.23 times weight in pounds) plus (12.7 times height in inches) minus (6.8 times age in years). This will determine calories used to simply maintain weight. If you want to lose weight, restrict calories from this number.
Time Frame
Understanding how many calories are in one pound can assist in determining the amount of calories to restrict daily. Since one pound contains 3,500 calories, losing one pound per week requires a deficit of 500 calories per day. To gain one pound weekly, consume a surplus of 500 calories a day.
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