What Are the Recommended Calories Per Day in a Survival Situation?

Caloric requirements vary significantly from person to person. A survival situation may involve intense physical activity and exposure to the elements, both of which are likely to increase your caloric needs.

Caloric Needs

According to the American Heart Association, most adults need between 2,000 and 3,000 calories per day. Your caloric needs are affected by your age, body mass and other factors. You can estimate your personal energy needs by using the caloric needs calculator on the American Cancer Society website.

Physical Activity

A survival situation may involve intense physical activity, which will significantly increase your caloric needs. Some professional athletes must consume 5,000 to 8,000 calories per day, reports Mark Bittman in a "New York Times" article about ultramarathoner Scott Jurek.

Climate

According to a study published in the April 1977 issue of "Federation Proceedings," exposure to cold may increase your caloric needs by 2 to 5 percent. You may also need to consume more calories if you are working in an extremely hot environment.

References

• American Heart Association: Know How Many Calories You Should Eat
• New York Times: Diet and Exercise to the Extremes
• PubMed: Nutrition and the responses to extreme environments