Milly Gaines
The 2,000-calorie diet is a familiar reference point for many people, who may see it on the back of food packaging. However, it is not based on scientific equations that estimate energy needs based on age, height, weight and physical activity levels. Instead, it was based on self-reported calorie intakes of Americans from surveys conducted by the USDA around the time of the 1990 Nutrition Labeling and Education Act. In fact, the 2,000-calorie diet is more likely an exception to the norm, not the norm.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Who needs a 2000-calorie diet? | Fit, very active adult athletes of all ages, especially endurance athletes, and including many weekend warriors. Examples include delivery people, construction workers, fitness trainers, sanitation workers and landscapers. |
| How was the 2000-calorie diet standard derived? | The 2000-calorie diet was based on self-reported calorie intakes of Americans from surveys conducted by the USDA around the time of the 1990 Nutrition Labeling and Education Act. The number was chosen as a "standard" or "average" reference to help consumers understand the percentages on nutrition labels. |
| Is the 2000-calorie diet the norm? | No, the 2000-calorie diet is more likely an exception to the norm. |
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What You'll Learn
The 2000-calorie diet is an average reference
There are certainly people who do need to eat 2000 calories per day or more, such as very active adult athletes, endurance athletes, and people with physically demanding jobs like delivery workers, construction workers, fitness trainers, sanitation workers, and landscapers. However, for the majority of American adults who are overweight or obese, a 2000-calorie diet may not be appropriate.
The 2000-calorie reference is commonly seen on nutrition labels, which can give the impression that it is a scientifically validated recommendation. However, it is important to remember that it is just a general reference point and may not be suitable for everyone. Individual calorie needs can vary widely depending on factors such as age, gender, height, weight, and activity level. As such, it is always a good idea to consult with a healthcare professional or registered dietitian to determine the appropriate calorie intake for your specific needs and goals.
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The 2000-calorie diet is not based on scientific equations
Despite the prevalence of the 2000-calorie diet, it is not necessarily the norm. In fact, the vast majority of American adults are overweight or obese. There are, however, some people who do need to eat 2000 calories per day or more, such as fit, very active adult athletes, especially endurance athletes.
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The 2000-calorie diet is an exception to the norm
There are, of course, some people who do need to eat 2000 calories per day or more. Fit, very active adult athletes of all ages, especially endurance athletes, and including many weekend warriors. Think delivery people, construction workers, fitness trainers, sanitation workers and landscapers.
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The 2000-calorie diet is based on self-reported calorie intakes of Americans
The 2000-calorie diet is more likely an exception to the norm, as the vast majority of American adults are overweight or obese. However, there are still plenty of examples of people who do need to eat 2000 calories per day or more, such as very active adult athletes, endurance athletes, and weekend warriors.
It is worth noting that the reference to a 2000-calorie diet is ubiquitous, and one might assume that it has a scientific basis. However, this assumption would be wrong, as the calorie standard was based on self-reported data and not validated for accuracy.
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The 2000-calorie diet is referenced on food labels
The 2000-calorie diet is more likely an exception to the norm, not the norm. For example, fit and very active adult athletes of all ages, especially endurance athletes, may need to eat 2000 calories per day or more.
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Frequently asked questions
No, the 2000-calorie diet was based on self-reported calorie intakes of Americans from surveys conducted by the USDA. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) intended the 2000-calorie diet to be an "average" reference to help the typical consumer put percentages into context.
Very active adult athletes of all ages, especially endurance athletes, and including many weekend warriors. Examples include delivery people, construction workers, fitness trainers, sanitation workers and landscapers.
No, a 2000-calorie diet is more likely an exception to the norm. The vast majority of American adults are overweight or obese.
