ABSTRACT
A better way to provide guidelines on caloric requirements is to estimate energy expenditure—the calories one actually burns for different essential needs. Basal energy expenditure decreases because muscle mass is lost, as doe’s energy expenditure for physical activity and also for the thermic effect of feeding, since the total amount of food eaten and processed is generally less. Total energy needs can be predicted based on one’s age, gender, weight, and estimated activity level. There is a very slight tendency for the body to store fat calories more readily than carbohydrate calories, therefore limiting the proportion of the diet that is consumed as fat calories, as well as the total energy intake, may be important for weight control. Basal energy expenditure is the energy one expends when lying down completely at rest and represents energy needs for someone who never moves, eats, or gets out of bed.
