Question
Is it possible that I may not need as much food as others? I’m a 19 year old male and weigh about 145 lbs. I feel great when I consume around 1600-1800 calories per day. If I go higher than that, I’m likely to gain weight. I don’t know why, considering a lot of sources have said that I need around 2400 calories a day since I exercise a lot.
About two summers ago I began exercising and framing houses. I would work in the heat all day, then go run for about 5 miles, then work out at the gym. All of this was with a consumption of only around 1500 calories a day. I probably should have never done that, I don’t know if I’ve messed something up in my body or what.
Answer
Use the BMI Calculator on this site or any others found with an internet search to determine your body mass index estimate. Alternatively, seek out a qualified personal trainer to make an assessment of your body fat with calipers for an accurate measure.
Additionally you must utilize a Caloric Requirement table to answer your question as you have not provided sufficient details for me to make an assessment. Height, weight and age as well as daily activities are required details to determine the number of calories necessary for consumption.
Generally, someone of your age group, I advise to eat healthy, exercise regularly and enjoy life.
