In order to estimate calorie (energy) requirements, an individual's physical activity level, must be taken into account. The Mealformation calorie calculation is based on the Institute of Medicine (IOM), Dietary Reference Intakes macronutrients report, 2002. The Estimated Energy Requirement (EER) is defined as the average dietary energy intake that is necessary to maintain energy balance in a healthy person of a given gender, age weight, height and physical activity.

Physical Activity Levels are defined as follows:

SEDENTARY: a lifestyle that includes only the physical activity of independent living;

LOW ACTIVE: a lifestyle that includes physical activity equivalent to walking 1.5 to 3 miles per day at 3 to 4 miles per hour, in addition to the activities of independent living;

ACTIVE: a lifestyle that includes physical activity equivalent to walking more than 3 to 10 miles per day at 3 to 4 miles per hour, in addition to the activities of independent living;

VERY ACTIVE: a lifestyle that includes physical activity equivalent to walking more than 10 miles per day at 3 to 4 mile s per hour, in addition to the activities of independent living;

Your estimate should be based on your average daily activity, taken over a long period of time.