Calories is the unit for measuring the energy contained in the food you eat. Every body’s calorific need is not the same. Some people need more calories than others.There are several factors that determine the calories need of every body.
Age: young people, especially teenagers, need more calories than older ones. This is because they are still in the process of growth and development. Thus, their bodies need more materials. They are also the most active and uses up more energy everyday.
Sex also influences calorific needs. Men seem to need more calories each day than women.
Size also matters. Large sized people need more calories.
Pregnant and breast feeding mothers also need more calories. The reason is not far fetched. When they eat, they eat for themselves and their babies. This means the normal calories they need plus the calories their baby needs.
Chronic illness like diabetes mellitus can also increase calorific needs. They tend to need more calories to prevent or reduce the risk of hypoglycemia.
The national academy of science (a U.S. based organization) recommends the following calorific need for various groups of people.
- 1,600 calories – many sedentary women and older adults.
- 2,200 calories – children, teenage girls, active women and many sedentary men. Pregnant women need extra 500 calories while breast feeding mothers need 300 calories more.
- 2,800 calories – teenage boys, active men and very active women.
