For adults: |
1) Begin with 22 calories/kg (10 calories/lb) of ideal body weight to determine caloric level for resting in bed. |
2) Increase resting caloric requirement by percentage to allow for daily activity level: minimal ambulation, 20% - 25%; sedentary job, 40% - 50%; moderate activity 70% - 75%; manual labor (e.g., construction work), 75% - 100%. |
3) a. Add (subtract) percentage of daily requirement corresponding to percentage underweight (overweight). |
b. Add (subtract) 500 calories for weekly weight gain (loss) of 1 lb. Add 300 calories daily for pregnant and 500 calories daily for lactating women. |
4) Supplement diet of less than 1200 calories with multiple vitamin to meet daily vitamin requirements. |
For children: |
Begin with 1000 calories for first year of life; add 100 calories for each succeeding year. |