HEALTH TOPICS 
Ask the doctor: How many calories do I need?
Ask the doctor
How many calories do I need?
Q. How can I figure out how many calories I should take in every day?
A. Clinicians use several equations to calculate how many calories a person should eat each day to maintain a stable weight. The most precise ones include height, weight, age, sex, activity level, and stressors like an injury or disease. The simplest way to estimate your daily target for calories is to multiply your weight by:
To continue reading this article, you must login.
Subscribe to Harvard Health Online for immediate access to health news and information from Harvard Medical School.
- Research health conditions
- Check your symptoms
- Prepare for a doctor's visit or test
- Find the best treatments and procedures for you
- Explore options for better nutrition and exercise