Calories measure the quantity of energy found in food. The number of calories required per day for a 40-year-old woman depends on her height, weight, activity level and other factors.
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Calories Per Day
According to a report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the average American woman is slightly taller and much heavier than women a few decades ago.
An average 40-year-old woman would be about 5 feet 4 inches tall and about 160 lbs. If she follows a sedentary lifestyle, she would need about 1,747 calories during a typical day to maintain her weight. If she becomes active, then she can eat up to 2,500 calories per day. These calculations do not take into consideration a woman who might be pregnant or nursing.
Each Woman Has Different Energy Needs
Consult with your health care provider to discuss the amount of calories required per day specifically for your body size, lifestyle and weight loss goals. A safe diet and exercise routine should be discussed with a doctor and tailored to personal health needs and special circumstances.
Fewer Calories to Promote Weight Loss
Women who want to lose weight should eat 500 fewer calories than the body needs each day while maintaining or increasing her exercise activity. Creating an energy deficit triggers the body to burn off excess fat. However, a woman should not eat fewer than 1,200 calories per day unless recommended as part of a medically supervised weight loss program.