Cerebral palsy is an umbrella term used to describe neurological conditions that permanently impact muscle coordination and body movement but do not worsen over time. Some people with cerebral palsy need extensive lifelong care, while others may walk a bit awkwardly but otherwise are able to live normal lives with no special assistance. Therefore, determining the caloric needs of a person with cerebral palsy requires the individual's physical abilities be taken into consideration.
Step 1
Calculate your basal metabolic rate with a BMR calculator. This is the amount of calories you burn each day at rest.
Step 2
Multiply your BMR by 1.1 if you are sitting or lying down most of the time to determine how many calories you require each day to sustain your current body weight. Multiply your BMR by 1.2 if you walk short distances throughout the day. Multiply your BMR by 1.3 if you walk frequently throughout the day and have nearly no physical limitations. For example, if your BMR is 1,550 and you walk short distances throughout the day, you need 1,860 calories per day.
Step 3
Add 500 calories to your daily caloric needs if you are a teenager. These extra calories are required to fuel your body while you are growing.
References
- "Nutrition: Concepts and Controversies"; Frances Sizer; 2008
- "Introduction to Medical-Surgical Nursing"; Adrianne Dill Linton; 2007
- "Foundations of Nursing"; Lois White, Gena Duncan and Wendy Baumle; 2010
