Sedentary
1,500kcal
140 lb, 5 ft 4 in
Lightly active
1,719kcal
Moderately active
1,938kcal
Very active
2,156kcal
Show the math
BMR = 10 × 63.5 kg + 6.25 × 162.6 cm − 5 × 48 − 161 = 1,250
Calories per day by weight and activity
A 48-year-old woman, 5 ft 4 in tall.
| Weight | Sedentary | Light | Moderate | Very active |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 120 lb | 1,391 | 1,594 | 1,797 | 2,000 |
| 140 lb | 1,500 | 1,719 | 1,938 | 2,156 |
| 160 lb | 1,609 | 1,844 | 2,078 | 2,313 |
| 180 lb | 1,718 | 1,968 | 2,219 | 2,469 |
| 200 lb | 1,827 | 2,093 | 2,359 | 2,626 |
| 220 lb | 1,935 | 2,218 | 2,500 | 2,782 |
| 240 lb | 2,044 | 2,342 | 2,641 | 2,939 |
| 260 lb | 2,153 | 2,467 | 2,781 | 3,095 |
Calories to lose weight at 48
| Weight | Lose 1 lb/week | Lose 0.5 lb/week |
|---|---|---|
| 120 lb | 1,200 | 1,344 |
| 140 lb | 1,219 | 1,469 |
| 160 lb | 1,344 | 1,594 |
| 180 lb | 1,468 | 1,718 |
| 200 lb | 1,593 | 1,843 |
| 220 lb | 1,718 | 1,968 |
| 240 lb | 1,842 | 2,092 |
| 260 lb | 1,967 | 2,217 |
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 48-year-old woman eat?
About 1,500 to 1,938 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 48-year-old woman eat to lose weight?
Roughly 500 fewer than maintenance for about 1 lb a week, for example 1,219 a day at 140 lb if lightly active.