Activity Levels and Calorie Needs

Your daily calorie needs aren’t determined by your body alone—they also depend on how active you are. Physical activity burns additional calories beyond what your body uses at rest, so more active people require more energy to maintain their weight.

Activity levels are usually categorized as sedentary, lightly active, moderately active, or very active. For example, someone who sits most of the day needs far fewer calories than someone who exercises regularly or has a physically demanding job.

Adjusting calorie intake according to activity helps you stay energized and maintain a healthy weight. Pairing proper nutrition with your activity level ensures your body gets the fuel it needs without overeating or undereating.