Sedentary
1,356kcal
140 lb, 5 ft 4 in
Lightly active
1,554kcal
Moderately active
1,752kcal
Very active
1,949kcal
Show the math
BMR = 10 × 63.5 kg + 6.25 × 162.6 cm − 5 × 72 − 161 = 1,130
Calories per day by weight and activity
A 72-year-old woman, 5 ft 4 in tall.
| Weight | Sedentary | Light | Moderate | Very active |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 120 lb | 1,247 | 1,429 | 1,611 | 1,793 |
| 140 lb | 1,356 | 1,554 | 1,752 | 1,949 |
| 160 lb | 1,465 | 1,679 | 1,892 | 2,106 |
| 180 lb | 1,574 | 1,803 | 2,033 | 2,262 |
| 200 lb | 1,683 | 1,928 | 2,173 | 2,419 |
| 220 lb | 1,791 | 2,053 | 2,314 | 2,575 |
| 240 lb | 1,900 | 2,177 | 2,455 | 2,732 |
| 260 lb | 2,009 | 2,302 | 2,595 | 2,888 |
Calories to lose weight at 72
| Weight | Lose 1 lb/week | Lose 0.5 lb/week |
|---|---|---|
| 120 lb | 1,200 | 1,200 |
| 140 lb | 1,200 | 1,304 |
| 160 lb | 1,200 | 1,429 |
| 180 lb | 1,303 | 1,553 |
| 200 lb | 1,428 | 1,678 |
| 220 lb | 1,553 | 1,803 |
| 240 lb | 1,677 | 1,927 |
| 260 lb | 1,802 | 2,052 |
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 72-year-old woman eat?
About 1,356 to 1,752 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 72-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.