The American Heart Association recommends that women consume between 1,600 and 2,400 calories per day. Caloric recommendations fall within a range because several factors, such as age and activity levels, determine individual needs.
Age Factors
The American Heart Association advises that adults need fewer calories as they age. Women 19 to 30 years old may need a minimum of 2,000 calories. Women between 31 and 50 need a minimum of 1,800, while women over 50 can consume a minimum of 1,600.
Activity Levels
More active women burn and need more calories than those less active, but age is still a factor. For example, a moderately active 25-year-old and a very active 32-year-old can both consume up to 2,200 calories per day. A very active 25-year-old can consume up to 2,400.
Weight Factors
Larger women need more calories to maintain their body weight. According to MayoClinic.com, an active 40-year-old woman, at 5-feet-10 and 150 pounds, needs 2,100 calories to maintain her weight. An active 40-year-old, at 5-4 and 120 pounds, only needs 1,850 calories.
Considerations
The best way for any woman to determine her recommended caloric intake is to use a calorie calculator. MayoClinic.com and U.S. Department of Agriculture both offer online calculators that calculate based on height, weight and activity levels as well as age.
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