ABSTRACT
The minimum energy necessary for an adult human being to stay alive for one day is approximately lOOOkcal (= 106cal). A person fed with less than this amount of energy loses weight and may die. World War II prisoners in concentration camps received less than 1000kcal/day of food. An adult engaged in normal activities requires about 2000kcal per day and for a man conducting heavy manual work, 4000kcal daily. Table 3.1 shows the energy needs for a number of human tasks. Energy Needs for Different Activities (<xref ref-type="bibr" rid="c3_r2">Cook, 1976</xref>)
|
Effort |
Example |
Energy consumption (kcal/hour) |
|---|---|---|
|
Light to moderate |
Be relaxed |
20 |
|
Light activities |
50–60 |
|
|
Walk, shower |
125–240 |
|
|
Light work (e.g. carpentry) |
150–180 |
|
|
March |
280 |
|
|
Heavy |
Break stones |
350 |
|
Row, swim, run |
400–700 |
|
|
Intensive sports |
800–1000 |
