We've long known the standard daily calorie needs: about 2,000 for women and 2,500 for men. But emerging evidence suggests these guidelines may be understated.
According to British researchers, both men and women can safely consume an additional 400 calories per day without gaining weight. This represents nearly 16% of the recommended intake—roughly equivalent to a cheeseburger.
Don't celebrate just yet. This applies only to those who exercise sufficiently. Eating 400 more calories than you burn daily over time will lead to weight gain, as it takes around 7,000 excess calories to gain a pound.
The new calorie guideline isn't official. Further research continues over the next 14 days. Health experts predict it will take longer before formal updates, due to potential backlash among people who are overweight.
