"The current dietary intake of Americans has contributed to the obesity epidemic. Many children and adults have a usual calorie intake that exceeds their daily needs, and they are not physically active enough to compensate for these intakes. The combination sets them on a track to gain weight. On the basis of national survey data, the average calorie intake among women and men older than age 19 years are estimated to be 1,785 and 2,640 calories per day, respectively. While these estimates do not appear to be excessive, the numbers are difficult to interpret because survey respondents, especially individuals who are overweight or obese, often underreport dietary intake. Well-controlled studies suggest that the actual number of calories consumed may be higher than these estimates. Sources of calories vary among Americans. Among children and adolescents, fluid milk provides a greater contribution to calorie intake, while alcoholic beverages are a major calorie source for adults. Sugar-sweetened beverages and pizza are greater calorie contributors for those ages 9 to 18 years than for younger children. Dairy desserts and ready-to-eat cereals provide a greater contribution to calorie intake for those ages 71 years and older than they do among younger adults. Although some of the top calorie sources by category are important sources of essential nutrients, others provide calories with few essential nutrients. Many of the foods and beverages most often consumed within these top categories are in forms high in solid fats and/or added sugars, thereby contributing excess calories to the diet. For example, many grain-based desserts are high in added sugars and solid fats, while many chicken dishes are both breaded and fried, which adds a substantial number of calories to the chicken. Among Americans ages 2 years and older, the top sources of calories are grain-based desserts, yeast breads, chicken and chicken mixed dishes, soda, energy and sports drinks, pizza, alcoholic beverages, pasta and pasta dishes, tortillas, burritos and tacos, beef and beef mixed dishes, dairy desserts, potato, corn and other chips, burgers, reduced-fat milk, regular cheese, ready-to-eat cereals, sausage, franks, bacon and ribs, fried white potatoes, candy, nuts, seeds and nut or seed mixed dishes, eggs and egg mixed dishes, rice and rice mixed dishes, fruit drinks, whole milk, quickbreads, and cold cuts. The mean total daily calorie intake was 2,157 calories for Americans ages 2 years and older, 2,027 calories for children and adolescents ages 2 to 18 years, and 2,199 calories for adults and older adults ages 19 years and older."