160 lbs, moderate activity, how many calories?

What do you mean by moderately active?

MFP doesn't include exercise in their activity levels. But if you are using a TDEE method, it would.

1200 is too low. I'm the same height and was losing at 1800 (with exercise included). I don't think I've gone below 1400 when using MFP.
Set your weight loss goal to no more than 1 lb a week.

noway45 wrote: »

I used another plan similar to MFP before and the lighter the weight the less caloric intake. It really didn't make sense to me. Per another website, To lose 1 lb. of fat each week, you must cut 500 calories each day through diet or exercise. A woman who usually consumes 2,300 calories per day and adds 100 calories worth of exercise each day would need to consume 1,900 calories to lose weight.

I'm not sure what you mean.
Do you mean the less you weigh, the lower your calorie goal is? Because that is true in part. Smaller bodies require less energy to move throughout the day and during exercise.

I agree with your last part, if you happen to know how many calories you normally eat. Lots of people don't.

Op with 20 lbs to lose you should set your goal to lose 1 lb per week, that will give you more calories. Also you can eat back some of your exercise calories too.

megfranklinp wrote: »

Hi everyone,

I'm trying to research this, but how many calories should I be losing to lose an average of 1.5-2 lbs a week? I feel like 1200 is way too low. Any ideas or thoughts?

Thanks

We are all different for many reasons. If you feel 1200 is way too low there is a reason you feel that way.

In my case being at 200 pounds I can lose about 3 pounds a month on average eating 2600 calories a day.

That however includes doing maintenance for a while after each 10-15 pound loss so that would be more like 6 pounds a month if I did not stop and maintain on my way down. Often without stopping to maintain on our own the body will do it for us. We often call it hitting a plateau when all it may be is the body protecting its health.

1300-1600?

Afridi123 wrote: »

megfranklinp wrote: »

Hi everyone,

I'm trying to research this, but how many calories should I be losing to lose an average of 1.5-2 lbs a week? I feel like 1200 is way too low. Any ideas or thoughts?

Thanks

Afridi123 wrote: »

Add lots of veggies like zucchini broccoli and chia seeds , flaxseed which are filling and low in calories and rich in fibers. Increase your physical activities but try not to increase your calories. Munch on fruits all day and don't allow yourself to get very hungry.

That's ridiculous. If 1200 is too low for her, adding physical activity and not increasing calories is even worse.

YelizavetaZ wrote: »

check this out http://www.healthyweightforum.org/eng/calculators/calories-required/

I did send you a personalized message because I didn't scroll down to this yet, but these is pretty cool and it is something close to what my nutritionist uses.

OP hasn't been here for 3 years. I doubt she'll read this or the PM.