Estimated Total Daily Energy Expenditure (TDEE) for a 60kg Male, 5'4" Tall
For a 60kg male who is 5 feet 4 inches tall (163 cm), the estimated TDEE ranges from approximately 1,900-2,400 kcal/day depending on activity level, with sedentary individuals requiring around 1,900-2,100 kcal/day and moderately active individuals requiring 2,200-2,400 kcal/day. 1, 2
Calculating Resting Energy Expenditure (REE)
The foundation of TDEE calculation begins with determining REE, which represents the energy needed to maintain vital life functions during basal and sleeping conditions. 3
Using the Harris-Benedict Equation for Men:
- REE = 66.47 + (13.75 × weight in kg) + (5.00 × height in cm) - (6.76 × age in years) 2
- Without knowing the exact age, we can estimate REE for different age brackets:
Alternative Weight-Based Estimation:
- For older adults (≥65 years), REE can be simplified to approximately 18-20 kcal/kg/day 3, 2
- For this 60kg individual: REE ≈ 1,080-1,200 kcal/day using this method 3
Determining Total Daily Energy Expenditure (TDEE)
TDEE consists of three components: resting energy expenditure (REE), physical activity-related energy expenditure (PAEE), and the thermic effect of food. 3
Activity Factor Multipliers:
To calculate TDEE, multiply REE by an activity factor based on the individual's physical activity level: 1
- Sedentary (little to no exercise): 1.2 × REE 1
- Light activity (1-3 days/week): 1.375 × REE 1
- Moderate activity (3-5 days/week): 1.55 × REE 1
- Very active (6-7 days/week): 1.725 × REE 1
Practical TDEE Estimates for This Individual:
For a middle-aged adult (age 30-50):
- Sedentary: 1,490 × 1.2 = 1,788-1,626 kcal/day 1
- Light activity: 1,490 × 1.375 = 2,049-1,863 kcal/day 1
- Moderate activity: 1,490 × 1.55 = 2,310-2,100 kcal/day 1
For an older adult (age ≥65):
- Energy requirements are typically 30-35 kcal/kg/day for those under 60 years, and 30-35 kcal/kg/day for those 60 years or older 3
- For this 60kg individual: 1,800-2,100 kcal/day 3
Clinical Context and Important Considerations
Physical Activity Level (PAL):
PAL is calculated as TDEE/BMR and typically ranges from 1.5 to 2.5 depending on activity level. 4, 5
- Sedentary individuals typically have PAL values of 1.4-1.6 4
- Moderately active individuals have PAL values of 1.6-1.9 4
- Very active individuals (including athletes) can have PAL values of 2.0-2.5 5
Body Composition Considerations:
This individual's height (5'4" or 163 cm) and weight (60kg) yields a BMI of approximately 22.6 kg/m², which falls within the normal range. 5
- Energy expenditure is directly related to body mass, with heavier individuals requiring more energy 3
- One liter of oxygen consumption equals approximately 5 kcal of energy expenditure 3
Common Pitfalls to Avoid:
Prediction equations like Harris-Benedict can have reduced accuracy in certain populations, with accuracy dropping to around 45% in severely malnourished patients. 2
The most accurate method for measuring REE is indirect calorimetry (IC), though this is rarely available in clinical settings. 3, 2
For individuals with sedentary lifestyles, using higher activity factors will overestimate energy needs and potentially lead to weight gain. 3, 6
Minimum maintenance energy requirement for healthy adults appears to be approximately 1.5 × BMR for ambulatory but inactive individuals. 6
Age-Specific Adjustments:
Because older individuals (>60 years) tend to be more sedentary with reduced lean body mass, a total energy intake of 30-35 kcal/kg is acceptable for this population. 3
For this 60kg individual aged ≥60 years: 1,800-2,100 kcal/day would be appropriate. 3