Abstract

During aging total energy expenditure (TEE) decreases by 6% per decade in women, parallel to the reduction in physical activity. Resting metabolic rate (RMR) decreases 1–2% per decade and increases from 50 years (3% per decade). There is a change in fat mass (FM) not associated with the reduction in RMR or loss of fat-free mass (FFM). This increase in FM is higher in women than in men and does not always imply a change in body weight or body mass index (BMI). As caloric intake requirements decrease with aging, the right quality of food and adequate portions become more important. Energy imbalances complicate health and quality of life in both malnutrition and overweight. The ninth edition of the Dietary Guidelines for the USA published in 2020 and incorporating MyPlate are available resources to advise people and help improve nutrition, serving as a guide for adults and older active women also. Adequate calorie intake should be matched to the physical activity level in each, providing the required amount of macronutrients, vitamins, and minerals, and possible food supplements for active women to achieve proper weight control, energy balance, and heath