Age affect MFP's calorie calculations?

Danni3ll3

Like the title says, does MFP take into account age when figuring out calories for individuals? I am 5'5" and range generally between 127-129 lbs. MFP gives me 1470 calories to maintain at sedentary. So many others on here are about the same height and weight but their maintenance calories are way higher. I am 57 by the way.

shadow2soul

I believe it does.

edit: yep it does.
To maintain my current weight (approx 126-128) and 5'4.5" at Lightly Active:
25 yrs (actual age) = 1850
35 yrs = 1780
45 yrs = 1710
55 yrs = 1640

Danni3ll3

Thanks! That is helpful! I was wondering why others could eat so much and not gain. I even eat a bit less (1400 calories) than what MFP says and most of my active calories back in order to maintain. This has generally been the pattern for the last year and a half.

segacs

Most people's maintenance calories will go down with age, all other things (height/weight) being equal. The reason is that most people lose lean muscle mass as they get older, and metabolism naturally slows down with age, too.

Of course, these are averages. I know people who've had good fortune, health-wise, and who have been active and diligent about going to the gym, and who've had great metabolism right into their 80s. Take care of yourself and there's no reason why that can't be you.

But sure, there's a reason why most of us can't eat the way we did as teenagers without gaining weight.