SA_Medic Posted November 14, 2009 Share Posted November 14, 2009 The calorie counts used as the foundation for diet plans and healthy-eating guidance for the past 18 years may be wrong, a report suggests. The recommended daily intake of calories could be increased by up to 16%, a draft report by the Scientific Advisory Committee on Nutrition said. Intake levels are currently 2,000 calories for women and 2,500 for men. But the panel stresses that people should only eat more if they exercise more, given rising levels of obesity. The committee says its report provides a much more accurate assessment of how energy can be burnt off through physical activity. A 16% increase would mean that adults could safely consume an extra 400 calories a day, equivalent to an average sized cheeseburger. The proposals, seen by The Times and The Grocer magazine, are due to go out a 14-week consultation period. Final recommendations will then be made after that time. Health campaigners say the Department of Health and the Food Standards Agency could seek to "sweep this report under the carpet" in a bid to avoid sending out mixed messages in the middle of an obesity epidemic. Tam Fry, of the National Obesity Forum, said it was a "dangerous assumption" to say that adults could safely consume an extra 400 calories a day. "This is not a green light to eat yourself silly," he said. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
under-dreaming Posted November 14, 2009 Share Posted November 14, 2009 (edited) Caloric intake varies from gender, age, and physical activity. The source of the calories is very important in this equation. A 400 calorie cheeseburger is not a responsible source for 400 calories. Regardless of bumping up the minimum average calorie intake, most people still eat too many calories. But most people aren't eating a balanced diet either. Some people want to gain weight. Some people want to lose weight. Some people want to maintain their weight. These three categories have entirely different dietary needs. And each of these categories has numerous other variables that require a unique dietary mix. So, know yourself. Learn what works for you. Edited November 14, 2009 by under-dreaming Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HERBIE1 Posted November 14, 2009 Share Posted November 14, 2009 Does this mean that drinking light beer is now a waste of time? As was pointed out, all calories are not created equal. Eating 400 calories of fruit vs a cheeseburger will not yield the same results. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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