What If You're Not 'average'?
The 'average adult diet' of 8,700 kJ is just that - an average.
Many people will require different amounts of food energy at various stages of their lives, and with varying activity levels. A very active teenager, for instance, will require more food energy than a sedentary older person.
Compare yourself to the following variations on the 'average diet requirements'. You may find more than one of the following applies.
| * You are very active | you need more energy(kJ) |
| * You are inactive | you need less |
| * You are a young child | you need less |
| * You are an older child | you need more |
| * You are a teenager | you need less or more, depending on your size and activity levels |
| * You are elderly | You may need (unless you are very active) |
| * You are over weight | You may need less to achieve a healthy weight |
| * You are under weight | You may need more to achieve a healthy weight |
| * You have a small frame | You may need less |
| * You have a large frame | You may need more |
| * You are female | You may need less |
| * You are male | You may need more |
| * You are pregnant or breastfeeding | You may need more |
