Approximately how many calories should women eat per day?

• A. 1500 kcal
• B. 2000 kcal
• C. 2500 kcal
• D. 3000 kcal

Answer: (B)

Daily energy needs depend on age, body size, and activity. For an average adult woman, about 2000 kcal per day serves as a common reference intake to maintain weight with typical activity. This is why 2000 kcal is the best representative number. Variations occur: younger or more active women may require more energy, while older or less active women may need less. The other options are less typical: 1500 kcal is usually below maintenance for most women, unless for weight loss or very low activity; 2500 kcal can be appropriate for larger or highly active individuals but isn’t the standard average; 3000 kcal is generally above what most adult women need.