A calorie is the unit of measurement used to gauge the amount of energy stored in food and used by the human body. Your daily calorie needs may vary depending on your height, weight and activity level.
Calorie Definition
According to MedlinePlus, the online medical encyclopedia of the National Institutes of Health, the term "calorie" as used in nutrition is actually known scientifically as a kilocalorie. This is the amount of energy used to raise the temperature of one kilogram of water by one degree Centigrade.
Influencing Factors
Several factors influence the amount of calories you may need in a typical day. These include your height, weight, pregnancy status, medical health, level of activity and general metabolism.
Low Calorie Needs
According to the Mayo Clinic's calorie calculator tool, small, inactive adults can have very low calorie needs. A 5-foot-tall woman who is physically inactive and weighs 100 pounds uses only 1,550 calories per day.
High Calorie Needs
Very large people who lead active lifestyles require a high calorie intake. The Mayo Clinic calculates that a 6-foot, 6-inch man who weighs 300 pounds burns 3,800 calories in a single day.
Considerations
If you have a medical condition such as anorexia, diabetes or osteoporosis, consult a physician or dietitian for help determining the number of calories you need in a typical day.
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