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.