(This calculator is meant to be an estimate only. Actual calories needed
to maintain weight may vary based on muscle mass, activity and a variety of
other factors such as illness. If you are obese, your actual caloric needs may
be less accurate. This is because a small percentage of fat tissue actually
burns calories. The remaining amount of fat tissue does not burn calories.
Please keep this in mind when using the calculator.)
By consuming these calories on an average daily basis, you should
maintain your weight. However, if you are looking to lose weight,
here are some tips:
Most health professionals recommend slow weight loss as the safest and most
effective approach. A sensible weight-loss program allows you to lose weight
gradually -- about one-half to one pound per week. Gradual weight loss promotes
long-term loss of body fat, not just water weight that can be quickly
regained.
To lose one pound, a person must burn 3,500 calories more than are consumed
(500 calories per day over the course of a week). For example, reducing calories
by 300 per day and increasing daily activity to burn off an additional 200
calories should result in a weight loss of one pound per week.
Here is an example of how the calculator can help you. If your daily calorie
needs were calculated as 2500 calories and you desire to lose weight, you
could:
1. Consume 2200 calories. (That's 300 calories less than this example diet),
and
2. Burn 200 calories through activity, to result in a 2000-calorie diet! (Be
sure to use the Exercise Calculator to
determine the different ways that you can burn 200 calories)!