Calorie Counting Guide: Intake for Muscle & Weight Loss

Determining how many calories you need depends on your fitness goals, whether you are a marathon runner or a weightlifter. Use intake formulas to calculate your needs for muscle gain or sustainable weight loss.

Woman Wearing Gym Clothing Choosing Fruit From Bowl

Is 1,200 Calories Enough for Active Young Women?

Published Sep,13 2011 | By Genevieve Jackson

Eating too few calories will help you lose weight, but can also make you sick. The number of calories you need depends on your height, weight, age and activity level. Your basal metabolic rate, or BMR, is the minimal amount of calories you need for body functions.