kaloritarve

Kaloritarve is the amount of energy a person needs per day to maintain body weight and support normal physiological functions and physical activity. The energy is usually expressed in kilocalories (kcal) or kilojoules (kJ). The actual kaloritarve varies between individuals and can change over time due to growth, aging, pregnancy, illness, climate, and activity level.

Energy needs are built from several components. The basal metabolic rate (BMR) is the energy used for basic bodily functions at rest. The thermic effect of food (TEF) accounts for energy spent digesting and absorbing nutrients, and physical activity adds energy expenditure through movement. Total energy expenditure (TEE) is commonly estimated as BMR multiplied by an activity factor (pal): sedentary about 1.2, light activity ~1.375, moderate activity ~1.55, very active ~1.725, and extra active ~1.9. Equally, TEF is often approximated as roughly 10% of energy intake. Dietitians use these estimates to guide plans for maintenance, weight loss, or gain.

Calculating kaloritarve can help in nutrition planning. To maintain weight, energy intake should match expenditure. For weight loss, a sustainable deficit (for example, 300–700 kcal/day) is often recommended; for weight gain, a modest surplus is used. Special groups (children, pregnant or lactating individuals, athletes) have differing needs and may require tailored estimates.

Measurement of kaloritarve in research can use direct calorimetry, indirect calorimetry, or the doubly labeled water method, but routine practice relies on predictive equations and monitoring recent changes in weight and body composition.