From: wrmd@iastate.edu
Subject: Re: Calorie intake
>
> From: hgl@sgmf02.med-forschung.uni-marburg.de (H.G.Loeffler)
>
> Being not a nutritionist, I wonder whether somebody can help me in sorting
> out an intriguing observation.=20
>
> How is it possible that persons with a similar caloric intake gain
> differently in weight? ...
>
>
>
I (Bill Dantzer, wrmd@iastate.edu) am not a nutritionist either but
my friend is (MaryJoe McClarney from Boston MA) and she says...
Energy or calorie requirement is determined by an individuals height,
weight, sex, age and activity level. A taller, heavier male who is active, will
have a greater calorie requirement than an individual who is short, lighter and
less active. To get an estimate of basal energy requirement (metabolic
rate) regression equations using these variables provide a good reference.
The most frequently used equation is the Harris Benedict Equation which
follows.
Men
BEE = 66 + (13.7 x weight in kilos) + (5 x height in centimeters) - (6.8 x Age)
Women
BEE = 665 + (9.6 x weight in kilos) + (1.8 X height in centimeters) - (4.7 x Age)
To calculate the BEE for a 40 yr old female who is 5 ft 5 inches and weighs
136 lbs., convert weight to kilograms and height to centimeters.
2.2 kilograms = 1 pound
2.54 centimeters = 1 inch
Weight to kilograms divide 136 lbs/ 2.2 kilograms/lb = 61.8 kgs
Weight to kilograms divide 136 lbs/ 2.2 kilograms/lb = 61.8 kgs
Height to centimeters = 65 inches x 2.54 centimeters/inch =165 centimeters
BEE = 665 + (9.6 x 61.8) + (1.8 x 165) - (4.7 x 40) = 1369 calories
BEE = 1369 calories which is the basal energy requirement for this 40 year
old women. To get a more accurate estimate you must also account for
activity level.
Activity factors:
Bed Rest = 1.2
Slight Activity = 1.3
Moderate Activity = 1.5-1.75
Very Active = 2.0
This women is moderately active, she is slowing down with age!
Total energy requirement = BEE x Activity Level
Total energy requirement = 1369 x 1.5 = 2053 calories per day
If the amount of calories eaten is greater than 2053 she will start to gain
weight and if it is less she will loose weight. It takes 3500 excess
calories to gain one pound.
You can increase the amount of calories you require each day by increasing
your activity level. Exercise is very important for weight control and one
of the few variables we can control other than eating fewer calories than we
require.
I hope this answers your question. MJM MS RD
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