Question

What factors does the Indian Council Medical Research (ICMR) consider when proposing calorie intake recommendations?

• A. Income, education, and location
• B. Age, sex, and activity
• C. Food availability and price
• D. Dietary habits and preferences

Answer 1

Answer:

B. Age, sex, and activity

ICMR Calorie Intake Recommendations: Key Factors

• The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) provides guidelines for daily calorie intake, which are crucial for public health and nutrition policies in India.

• These recommendations are not one-size-fits-all; they are tailored based on several physiological and lifestyle factors.

• Age: Calorie needs vary significantly with age. Growing children and adolescents require more energy for development, while older adults may need fewer calories due to a slower metabolism.

• Sex: Men generally have higher calorie requirements than women due to differences in body composition (more muscle mass) and metabolic rates.

• Activity Level: This is a major determinant. Individuals with sedentary lifestyles (office workers, less physical activity) need fewer calories than those who are moderately active (regular exercise) or very active (athletes, manual laborers). The ICMR categorizes activity levels to provide more precise recommendations.

• The ICMR often uses data from large-scale surveys and scientific research to establish these guidelines.