The average person burns calories daily through basic bodily functions and physical activity. The total number depends on factors such as age, sex, weight, height, and activity level.
- For most adult women, the average calorie burn ranges from about 1,600 to 2,200 calories per day.
- For most adult men, the average is higher, ranging from about 2,200 to 3,000 calories per day
This total includes:
- Basal Metabolic Rate (BMR), which is the calories burned to maintain essential body functions like breathing and digestion. BMR typically accounts for 60-75% of total daily calorie burn and averages around 1,493 calories for women and 1,662 for men in the UK, with similar figures globally
- The Thermic Effect of Food (TEF), about 10% of daily calories, which is the energy used to digest and process food
- Physical activity, which varies widely depending on lifestyle and exercise habits. Even light daily activities like walking, cooking, or gardening contribute significantly to calorie burn
For example, a sedentary adult male burns roughly 2,000 to 2,600 calories daily, while a very active male can burn up to 3,000 calories or more. Similarly, sedentary adult females burn around 1,600 to 1,800 calories, increasing with activity level
. In summary, the average daily calorie burn for a typical adult is approximately:
- Women: 1,600 to 2,200 calories
- Men: 2,200 to 3,000 calories
These numbers are estimates and vary based on individual characteristics and activity levels
