How many calories should you eat to lose weight?

Subtracting 500 to 1,000 calories from required calories per day indicates how many calories to consume to lose 1 to 2 pounds per week. One needs to consume 3,500 less per week to lose 1 pound or 7,000 less per week to lose 2 pounds.

The calories needed per day to lose weight vary based on gender, age and activity level. For example, an active young man can consume more calories than a sedentary older woman and still lose weight. An individual can calculate how many calories are required per day to maintain current weight by using a basal metabolic rate calculator or a chart that lists calories by gender, age and activity level. /p>