Sedentary
1,841kcal
175 lb, 5 ft 9 in
Lightly active
2,109kcal
Moderately active
2,378kcal
Very active
2,646kcal
Show the math
BMR = 10 × 79.4 kg + 6.25 × 175.3 cm − 5 × 72 + 5 = 1,534
Calories per day by weight and activity
A 72-year-old man, 5 ft 9 in tall.
| Weight | Sedentary | Light | Moderate | Very active |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 120 lb | 1,542 | 1,766 | 1,991 | 2,216 |
| 140 lb | 1,650 | 1,891 | 2,132 | 2,373 |
| 160 lb | 1,759 | 2,016 | 2,272 | 2,529 |
| 180 lb | 1,868 | 2,141 | 2,413 | 2,686 |
| 200 lb | 1,977 | 2,265 | 2,554 | 2,842 |
| 220 lb | 2,086 | 2,390 | 2,694 | 2,999 |
| 240 lb | 2,195 | 2,515 | 2,835 | 3,155 |
| 260 lb | 2,304 | 2,640 | 2,976 | 3,312 |
Calories to lose weight at 72
| Weight | Lose 1 lb/week | Lose 0.5 lb/week |
|---|---|---|
| 120 lb | 1,500 | 1,516 |
| 140 lb | 1,500 | 1,641 |
| 160 lb | 1,516 | 1,766 |
| 180 lb | 1,641 | 1,891 |
| 200 lb | 1,765 | 2,015 |
| 220 lb | 1,890 | 2,140 |
| 240 lb | 2,015 | 2,265 |
| 260 lb | 2,140 | 2,390 |
Lightly active. Never below 1,500 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 man eat?
About 1,841 to 2,378 a day at 175 lb, depending on activity, to maintain weight. Your weight and height shift it; see the table.
How many calories should a 72-year-old man eat to lose weight?
Roughly 500 fewer than maintenance for about 1 lb a week, for example 1,609 a day at 175 lb if lightly active.