I am a 36-year-old, large framed woman, 5’9″ and weigh 250 pounds. I just completed the calculations for losing two pounds a week using your calculator and I am wondering if there is a mistake. The total calories listed were 3770, which seems very high. I have been eating 2000 a day, with corresponding fat, carbohydrates, etc. as is listed on the daily value charts (% DV) on food packages, (though I have been trying to keep the fat to under 35 grams). Since I began this about two weeks ago, we have moved and I am able to walk nightly with a close friend. I decided it was time to make a life change before I keel over. Until a twin pregnancies six years ago, my weight fluctuated between 140 and 180, so the target range listed seems accurate. The calories just seem so high! Please write back and let me know if you think there has been a mistake. Thank you.

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You probably over estimated your activity level. In addition, your current weight will increase the number of calories just to maintain your weight which is the baseline for calculating weight loss.

Try using the calculator again and don’t include any activity. This will be your basal metabolic rate or the number of calories your body needs just lying in bed. Next add activity calories. Compare the difference between the calories you burn just lying in bed versus getting up and moving around.

I would think the 2000 calories diet you have been following seems reasonable, but 35 grams of fat is only 16% calories from fat which may leave you not feeling satisfied after meals. 66 grams of fat would give you about 30% calories from fat.