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Navigate: FAQ Home Page > Weight & Height Concerns > Weight control
Posted on: 05/31/2007
Question
For the past 5 years or so, I've been overweight. Finally, at 15, I've managed to lose 50 pounds. I'm now 110 pounds at 5' 4". My problem is this: for 5 years I was GAINING weight, and for the past year I've been losing. I have no idea how much I should be eating to maintain my weight! How many calories should I be eating on a daily basis as to not gain or lose weight?
Answer
It's not possible for me to tell you how many calories to eat to maintain your current weight based on the information I have. A healthy weight for a particular individual is based on that person's genetics, sex, activity level and height. Remember that skinny does not always mean healthy. The media often pressures us into believing that and we all need to be careful of that trap!
A healthy lifestyle is one that incorporates smart food choices and exercise. Balanced meals incorporate foods from all different food groups. Furthermore, it is important to NOT skip meals or subscribe to fad/crash diets which can often lead to weight gain instead of weight loss. Ideally, we should all be getting 30-40 minutes of cardiovascular exercise per day at least 4 days per week. The number of calories you consume is largely dependent on how active you are.
I highly recommend the following website: www.mypyramid.gov This website can help you create a personalized and HEALTHY eating plan. Take care!