Can I Eat 1,500 Calories a Day?

The Dietary Guidelines for Americans, updated by the U.S. Department of Agriculture and Department of Health and Human Services every five years, estimates the following calorie needs:

• 1,800 to 2,400 calories per day for adult women and
• 2,000 to 3,200 calories per day for adult men.

There are a number of factors that determine how many calories per day adults need. 

• The low end of the calorie range may be sufficient for sedentary adults, while active adults may need calories at the higher end of the range
• Younger adults need more calories than older adults
• People who are taller usually need more calories than people the same age who are shorter
• Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding need more calories

A prolonged 1,500 calorie-per-day diet can slow metabolism, so it is best to only do it short-term. Risks to consuming too few calories may include: 

• Inadequate nutrition 
• Fatigue/tiredness
• Anxiety
• Dizziness
• Preoccupation with food
• Fertility problems in women

1,500 calories per day would be considered a low caloric intake for most people and would generally not be recommended for the long term.

For people who need to lose weight, talk to a doctor or a dietitian to determine the right caloric intake based on age, height, activity level, sex, current weight, and desired weight loss.