Well...it also depends upon your activity level. As a distance runner, I probably consume more calories than the average person because I can burn well more than 2000 calories over one long run. You need to consume about what you burn, or burn what you consume.
Let's not forget the low-carb, high protein diets, like Atkins, that have been popular, as well. This plan wouldn't work for marathoners or other very active people. There are those who have regained all the weight they lost on such a program, and this type of program can lead to health problems like kidney failure and high cholesterol.
Generally speaking, the number of calories needed to lose weight are:
Teens 1200-1800 calories per day
Women (non-active) 1000-1200 calories per day
Women (active) 1200-1500 calories per day
Men (non-active) 1200-1500 calories per day
Men (active) 1500-1800 calories per day
Factors include age, height and weight, as well as activity level. My personal, optimum "normal" caloric intake, for example, is over 1800 calories. I think I'm a good 20 lbs overweight, even though my BMI doesn't indicate that (my photo sure does, though, lol!).
While weight loss may not be rocket science, it surely isn't easy for some of us, especially those of us "of an age." Sure, portion control for a good many folks may be a necessary habit to learn. But, eating less may not necessarily be the answer for the average person; eating better probably is.
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Well...it also depends upon your activity level. As a distance runner, I probably consume more calories than the average person because I can burn well more than 2000 calories over one long run. You need to consume about what you burn, or burn what you consume.
Let's not forget the low-carb, high protein diets, like Atkins, that have been popular, as well. This plan wouldn't work for marathoners or other very active people. There are those who have regained all the weight they lost on such a program, and this type of program can lead to health problems like kidney failure and high cholesterol.
Generally speaking, the number of calories needed to lose weight are:
Teens 1200-1800 calories per day
Women (non-active) 1000-1200 calories per day
Women (active) 1200-1500 calories per day
Men (non-active) 1200-1500 calories per day
Men (active) 1500-1800 calories per day
Factors include age, height and weight, as well as activity level. My personal, optimum "normal" caloric intake, for example, is over 1800 calories. I think I'm a good 20 lbs overweight, even though my BMI doesn't indicate that (my photo sure does, though, lol!).
While weight loss may not be rocket science, it surely isn't easy for some of us, especially those of us "of an age." Sure, portion control for a good many folks may be a necessary habit to learn. But, eating less may not necessarily be the answer for the average person; eating better probably is.
Just my humble take on all of this.
February 26, 2009 - 5:57pmThis Comment
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