Chapter 2


Table 2.2 Basal Metabolic Rate (BMR) for adolescents and adults (Kcal/day)

Age Range (yrs) Males Females
Adolescents
10-17+ 17.5W* + 651 12.2W + 746
Adults
 18-29+ 15.3W + 679 14.7W + 496
 30-59+ 11.6W + 879 8.7W + 829
 >60 13.5W + 487 10.5W + 596
 W is the average weight in Kg.

After the relevant BMRs have been calculated, then appropriate figures for the PAL should be
applied to the BMRs. This will vary according to the normal levels of physical activity
undertaken in the society concerned. Table 2.3 shows this as estimated by FAO for Africa, on
the assumption that 20% of the population is urbanised.

Table 2.3 Appropriate Physical Activity Levels for Africa

 Age Range (years) Males Females
 Children
 0-9+ No PAL, energy calculated according to body weight (see
 Table 2.1)
 Adolescents
 10 + 1.76 1.65
 11 + 1.72 1.62
 12 + 1.69 1.60
 13 + 1.67 1.58
 14 + 1.65 1.57
 15 + 1.62 1.54
 16 + 1.60 1.52
 17 + 1.60 1.52
 Adults
 18-59+ 1.82 1.67
 > 60 1.51 1.56

 These figures can be aggregated, and the needs of pregnant and lactating women taken into
 account as shown in Table 2.4. Population figures by age group are filled in to column B,
 estimates of average body weight by age group into column C, then the formulae given in
 Table 2.2 can be used to calculate column D. Columns G and H can then be calculated, and
 the average individual energy allowance can be derived from dividing the sum of column H