How many calories do I need a day?

The recommended daily calorie intake varies depending on how old you are. For the average adult this is about 2,000 per day (women) and 2,500 per day (men). These calories should be made up of foods from the main food groups.

If you're trying to lose weight, you could start by eating 500 less calories per day. This should help as long as your diet is well-balanced and you're getting lots of exercise.

The recommended daily calorie intake is different for children, pregnant women and older people. See your GP for advice.

Further information: