What is the minimum number of calories required for a sedentary male who weighs 175 pounds, and who does not currently engage in any formal exercise?

To determine the minimum number of calories required for a sedentary male weighing 175 pounds, we first need to understand the concept of Total Daily Energy Expenditure (TDEE) and Basal Metabolic Rate (BMR). BMR represents the number of calories needed to maintain basic physiological functions at rest, including breathing, circulation, and cell production. TDEE accounts for BMR plus any additional calories burned through daily activities.

For sedentary individuals, a common guideline is to use the BMR and then multiply it by a factor that reflects their activity level. Sedentary people typically use a multiplier around 1.2.

Using these parameters, a rough estimate for BMR can be calculated using the Mifflin-St Jeor equation for men:

BMR = 10 * weight (kg) + 6.25 * height (cm) - 5 * age (years) + 5.

Converting 175 pounds to kilograms (approximately 79.4 kg) simplifies the analysis. Assuming average height and age, one could estimate the BMR and then apply the 1.2 factor for a sedentary lifestyle. The resulting TDEE usually falls within the range of 2,000 to 2,600 calories