Rather than a significant reduction in calories, consider a combination of decreased caloric intake and increased physical activity if you want to lose weight. Proper eating habits and exercise together can help you achieve and maintain a healthy weight.
The Facts
The minimum calorie intake per day for adult women is 1,200 calories, and for adult men it is 1,500, according to the National Institutes of Health. Only in special cases and under medical supervision would a lower-calorie regimen be safe.
Considerations
A person's calorie needs vary, depending on age and activity level. For example, an active female between ages 19 and 30 needs about 2,400 calories a day, according to the American Heart Association. An active males between 19 and 30 needs 3,000 calories. If you are considering a reduced-calorie diet, talk to your health care provider or a registered dietitian to make sure your plan doesn't deprive your body of the necessary energy and nutrients provided by food.
Benefits
Calorie restriction that maintains all the essential nutrient requirements can protect you against cancer, diabetes, stroke, atherosclerosis, vascular disease, auto-immune disorder and neurodegenerative diseases, according to Oregon Health and Science University.
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