The amount of food eaten must balance the quantity of energy

used. If we eat too much, we will gain weight and became obese. If
we eat too little, we will lose weight, feel weak and may suffer
from deficiency diseases.

Daily energy needs

 Group Age Gender Activity Energy
requirements (kJ)
Child 7 Female Moderate 8500
Male Moderate 8500
Teenager 15 Female Moderate 9500
Male Moderate 12500
Adult 23 Female Moderate 9500
Pregnant mother Moderate 10 000
Breast-feeding Moderate 11 500
mother
Male Moderate 11 500
Female Active 12 500
Male Active 20 000
65 Female Moderate 6500
Male Moderate 8500