How Many Calories Should a Nine Year Old Have in a Day?

There are recommended daily calorie values for children that help them get proper nutrition for growth without overeating. Childhood obesity is a major concern for many young children and teens, and calorie counting is one way of combating this problem. Moreover, eating foods rich in vitamins can help kids stay full and resist the urge to eat junk food.

U.S. Department of Agriculture Recommendations

• The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has charts that detail the recommended daily calorie values for male and female children. The Department of Agriculture bases caloric intake values on the activity level of the child. According to the chart, a female nine-year-old child whose activity level is classified as sedentary should consume about 1,600 calories per day. If the child is moderately active, she should consume between 1,600 and 2,000 calories per day. Meanwhile, an active child should consume approximately 1,800 to 2,200 calories per day.

  For male nine-year-olds the calorie values are slightly higher. A sedentary male nine-year-old should consume about 1,800 calories daily according to the chart. A moderately active child should consume 1,800 to 2,200 calories per day. An active child should consume 2,000 to 2,600 calories. It is important to take activity levels into account so as not to exceed caloric intake. It's also important to make sure active, growing bodies are receiving all of the nutrition they need to perform at peak levels.

  The term sedentary is defined as participating in average day-to-day activity that does not include exercise. Moderate activity levels are defined as engaging in exercise that equals walking at least 1.5 to 3 miles per day. Finally, an active child is one who engages in exercise that exceeds walking three miles per day.