Kent,

Thanks so much for the prompt reply and the link to the webpage. Our weights are similar, but I'm sure that I have more body fat and less muscle because of being female. I'm also in menopause and quit smoking 13 months ago, both of which would slow my metabolism.

How would you advise me to calculate the appropriate number of calories I need? I have read that it is not advisable to go below 1200. Do you think that 1200 calories is low enough? Would there be a problem with going lower than 1200, or is that about what I should try?

Thanks again,

Peg