Total Energy Requirement

The energy requirement of an individual is the level of energy intake from food that will balance energy expenditure. Estimates of energy requirements could be based on measurements of either energy intake or energy expenditure. In practice, measurements of energy intake are usually less reliable than measurement of energy expenditure. This when the individual has a body size and composition and level of physical activity, consistent with long term good health  and that will allow for maintenance of economically necessary and socially desirable activity. In children, pregnant and lactating women the energy requirement includes the energy needs associated with the deposition of tissues or the secretion of milk at rates consistent with good health.