When it comes to daily calorie intake, we are using the Mifflin-St Jeor formula. This method estimates an individual’s Basic Metabolic Rate (BMR).
BMR is the number of calories your body burns to function and perform daily tasks (breathing, digesting food, blood circulation, brain and nerve function, contraction of muscles, etc).
Basal metabolic rate affects the rate at which a person burns calories and, ultimately, whether that individual maintains, gains, or loses weight.
You can check the equations we use below:
BMR for men:
BMR (metric) = (10 × weight in kg) + (6.25 × height in cm) - (5 × age in years) + 5
BMR for women:
BMR (metric) = (10 × weight in kg) + (6.25 × height in cm) - (5 × age in years) - 161
The resulting number is the approximate daily calorie intake to maintain your body weight.
Reducing calorie intake numbers below the estimated maintenance intake may assist with weight management.
If you want to read more on the topic, check out the Report of a Joint FAO*/WHO**/UNU*** Consultation on Human Energy Requirements HERE.
Here’s an extract on the energy requirements of adults.
The report is available in PDF format as well.
You can also have a look at the BetterMe Sources of Recommendations.
*FAO stands for Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations
**WHO – World Health Organisation
*** UNU – United Nations University