Calories are used to measure the amount of energy contained in foods. An individual's daily calorie consumption is dependent upon height, age and weight. All calorie amounts are based on United States Department of Agriculture recommendations.
Children
Boys and girls between the ages of 2 and 3 should consume approximately 1,000 calories per day if they live an inactive lifestyle, and 1,400 calories if they live an active lifestyle. After the age of 4, girls do not require the same caloric intake as boys. Girls between the ages of 4 and 8 require 1,200 to 1,800 calories per day. Boys of the same age require 1,400 to 2,000 calories per day.
Females
Active females between the ages of 14 and 50 should consume 2,400 calories per day; inactive females of the same age 1,800 calories each day. Inactive females over the age of 51 should consume 1,600 calories per day; active females should consume 2,200 calories per day.
Males
The recommended calorie amount for inactive males between the ages of 14 to 50 is 2,200 calories per day, and 3,000 if active. After the age of 50, calorie requirements for men fall to between 2,000 and 2,800 depending on the level of activity.
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