Scientists advising the UK government are suggesting that the recommended daily calorie intake for adult males and females, currently set at 2500 and 2000 calories respectively, should be increased by an extra 400 calories per day.

The current daly calorie recommendation figures were set some 18 years ago and where solely based on observational studies of students, whom were shut in rooms whilst having their breathing measured; a research method that has proven to under-estimate activity levels met in everyday life and consequently the calories required to sustain normal activity levels without gaining weight.

According to a draft report by the Scientific Advisory Committee on Nutrition (SACN), adding a further 400 calories to the recommended daily calorie requirement would actually represent a more accurate reflection of how calories are used during daily physical activity.

This report does, some argue, go the tide of popular dietary advice in combatting the growing problem of obesity. Figures in the UK now show that approximately 60 percent of all adults are overweight.

It was believed that increasing calorie consumption would exacerbate the issue, but not so say SACN and nutritional experts who now suggest all adults should aim to eat an extra 400 calories per day to cope with the stresses and strains of normal everyday physical activity.