Sedentary
1,452kcal
140 lb, 5 ft 4 in
Lightly active
1,664kcal
Moderately active
1,876kcal
Very active
2,087kcal
Show the math
BMR = 10 × 63.5 kg + 6.25 × 162.6 cm − 5 × 56 − 161 = 1,210
Calories per day by weight and activity
A 56-year-old woman, 5 ft 4 in tall.
| Weight | Sedentary | Light | Moderate | Very active |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 120 lb | 1,343 | 1,539 | 1,735 | 1,931 |
| 140 lb | 1,452 | 1,664 | 1,876 | 2,087 |
| 160 lb | 1,561 | 1,789 | 2,016 | 2,244 |
| 180 lb | 1,670 | 1,913 | 2,157 | 2,400 |
| 200 lb | 1,779 | 2,038 | 2,297 | 2,557 |
| 220 lb | 1,887 | 2,163 | 2,438 | 2,713 |
| 240 lb | 1,996 | 2,287 | 2,579 | 2,870 |
| 260 lb | 2,105 | 2,412 | 2,719 | 3,026 |
Calories to lose weight at 56
| Weight | Lose 1 lb/week | Lose 0.5 lb/week |
|---|---|---|
| 120 lb | 1,200 | 1,289 |
| 140 lb | 1,200 | 1,414 |
| 160 lb | 1,289 | 1,539 |
| 180 lb | 1,413 | 1,663 |
| 200 lb | 1,538 | 1,788 |
| 220 lb | 1,663 | 1,913 |
| 240 lb | 1,787 | 2,037 |
| 260 lb | 1,912 | 2,162 |
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 56-year-old woman eat?
About 1,452 to 1,876 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 56-year-old woman eat to lose weight?
Roughly 500 fewer than maintenance for about 1 lb a week, for example 1,200 a day at 140 lb if lightly active.