"236 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 y ears 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 under report dietary intake. Well - controlled studies suggest that the actual number of calories consumed may be higher than these estimates. Sources of Calories Table 3 provides the top sources of calories among Americans ages 2 years and older. The table revea ls some expected differences in intake between younger (ages 2 to 18 years) and adult (ages 19 years and older) Americans. For example, alcoholic beverages are a major calorie source for adults, while fluid milk provides a greater contribution to calorie i ntake for children and adolescents. Further, while not shown in the table, there is additional variability in calorie sources among children, adolescents, and adults of different ages. For example, sugar - sweetened beverages and pizza are greater calorie co ntributors for those ages 9 to 18 years than for younger children. Also, 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 sug ars, 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. Table 1 . Top 25 Sources of Calories Among Americans Ages 2 Years and Older, NHANES 2005 – 2006a ra nk overall, ages 2+ yrs (Mean kcal/d; total daily calories = 2,157) children and adolescents, ages 2 – 18 yrs (Mean kcal/d; total daily calories = 2,027) adults and older adults, ages 19+ yrs (Mean kcal/d; total daily calories = 2,199) 1 Grain - based dessertsb (138 kcal) Grain - based desserts (138 kcal) Grain - based desserts (138 kcal) 2 Yeast breadsc (129 kcal) Pizza (136 kcal) Yeast breads (134 kcal) 3 Chicken and chicken mixed dishesd (121 kcal) Soda/energy/sports drinks (118 kcal) Chicken and chicken mixed dishes (123 kcal) 4 Soda/energy/sports drinkse (114 kcal) Yeast breads (114 kcal) Soda/energy/sport s drinks (112 kcal) 5 Pizza (98 kcal) Chicken and chicken m ixed dishes (113 kcal) Alcoholic beverages (106 kcal)"