Caloric Needs for Teenagers

The caloric needs of teenagers varies depending on gender and metabolism. There is no set standard for how many calories teens in general should intake on a daily basis. It is all relevant to an individual.

Boys

• Teenage boys will generally need more calories than girls. However, a boy who is active in sports may need 3,500 calories a day to maintain his weight, where a boy who is overweight and does not get much exercise will need fewer calories to reduce his weight.

Girls

• During a growth spurt, a teenage girl can easily take in extra calories and if she is naturally skinny, thus having a high metabolism, she can eat like a teenage boy that does sports. But a teenage girl with a slower metabolism may only be able to intake 1,700 calories a day to maintain her current weight.

Metabolism

• With teenagers it can usually be easy to tell if they have a higher or slower metabolism. At that age, teens who participate often in sports will have an elevated metabolism, including cheerleading. Those who spend more time reading and don't get the exercise needed may have a slower metabolism and will gain extra weight if they take in too many calories.