What is the recommended daily calorie range for teenage girls?

• A. 1000-1600
• B. 1400-2200
• C. 1800-3200
• D. 2000-3600

Answer: (C)

Adolescents have varying energy needs because growth, puberty, and activity levels change a teen’s daily calorie requirements. For teenage girls, the range from about 1800 to 3200 calories per day accommodates most scenarios—from younger teens or those with lower activity to older teens who are more active or still growing rapidly. The lower end reflects enough energy for basic needs and growth with light activity, while the upper end accounts for higher activity and ongoing development. Other ranges are less representative: 1000–1600 is usually too low for teens; 1400–2200 may miss higher-activity teens; and 2000–3600, while possible for some highly active individuals, isn’t as broadly applicable as 1800–3200.