The number of calories it takes to maintain your weight is dependent upon a number of individual factors. Your age, gender, height, weight, activity level and body composition all influence the number.
Recommendations
The U.S. Department of Agriculture and the Department of Health and Human Services make recommendations for daily calorie consumption according to age, gender and activity level. In general, men age 19 to 50 years should consume between 2,400 and 3,000 calories, and women age 19 to 50 years should consume between 1,800 and 2,200 calories.
Metabolism
While many people blame a slow metabolism for weight gain, in only very rare cases will a metabolic disorder cause your metabolism to experience a significant drop in function and cause weight gain, notes MayoClinic.com. More likely, weight gain results from overeating and/or under-exercising.
Considerations
Using a calorie estimator, like the one found at the MyPyramid.gov site under MyPyramid Plan, can help you determine your own calorie needs. The recommendations made by this, or any other calorie-estimation formula, are guidelines. If you gain or lose weight when following recommendations, adjust your calorie intake accordingly.
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