Question: I’m trying to get in shape and take control of my fitness. How many calories should I eat every day? I see different recommendations. I’m a woman who is 59. I am 5-foot-4 and weigh 160 pounds.

Dr. Hibberd’s answer:

Caloric intake recommendations vary by individual, and your level of daily activity, metabolism, and underlying medical conditions. As a young woman, with a height of 5-foot-4, your ideal weight should be 120 pounds. To lose 1-2 pounds per week, you should aim to limit your daily diet to 2,000 calories, then adjust downward as needed each week to reach your goal. But don’t try a starvation diet or aim to drop 1,000 calories a day. I would advise a medical consultation at your age before starting any diet, just to be sure you have no adverse conditions. Underlying conditions often flare up when you start a weight-loss regimen. You also need to start an appropriate physical exercise regimen to help you reach your goal. Muscle tissue must be preserved to maintain long-term weight control.