Sedentary
1,536kcal
140 lb, 5 ft 4 in
Lightly active
1,760kcal
Moderately active
1,984kcal
Very active
2,208kcal
Show the math
BMR = 10 × 63.5 kg + 6.25 × 162.6 cm − 5 × 42 − 161 = 1,280
Calories per day by weight and activity
A 42-year-old woman, 5 ft 4 in tall.
| Weight | Sedentary | Light | Moderate | Very active |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 120 lb | 1,427 | 1,635 | 1,843 | 2,052 |
| 140 lb | 1,536 | 1,760 | 1,984 | 2,208 |
| 160 lb | 1,645 | 1,885 | 2,125 | 2,365 |
| 180 lb | 1,754 | 2,010 | 2,265 | 2,521 |
| 200 lb | 1,863 | 2,134 | 2,406 | 2,678 |
| 220 lb | 1,971 | 2,259 | 2,546 | 2,834 |
| 240 lb | 2,080 | 2,384 | 2,687 | 2,990 |
| 260 lb | 2,189 | 2,508 | 2,828 | 3,147 |
Calories to lose weight at 42
| Weight | Lose 1 lb/week | Lose 0.5 lb/week |
|---|---|---|
| 120 lb | 1,200 | 1,385 |
| 140 lb | 1,260 | 1,510 |
| 160 lb | 1,385 | 1,635 |
| 180 lb | 1,510 | 1,760 |
| 200 lb | 1,634 | 1,884 |
| 220 lb | 1,759 | 2,009 |
| 240 lb | 1,884 | 2,134 |
| 260 lb | 2,008 | 2,258 |
Lightly active. Never below 1,200 kcal without medical supervision.
How age changes it
Each extra decade lowers resting burn by about 50 calories in the Mifflin-St Jeor equation, all else equal. Muscle matters more: strength training and enough protein help keep your burn up as you age.
How to use it
- Enter your numbers. Switch between US and metric units at any time.
- Results update as you type, and the formula is shown so you can check it.
- Copy the link, save the plan on this device, or print it for your next appointment.
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These are estimates, not a diagnosis. A clinician can account for your health history and medicines.
Nearby ages
Common questions
How many calories should a 42-year-old woman eat?
About 1,536 to 1,984 a day at 140 lb, depending on activity, to maintain weight. Your weight and height shift it; see the table.
How many calories should a 42-year-old woman eat to lose weight?
Roughly 500 fewer than maintenance for about 1 lb a week, for example 1,260 a day at 140 lb if lightly active.