Herein describes a method for estimating the energy needs of the elderly amputee using the relationship between body surface area (BSA) and basal metabolic rate (BMR). First the preamputation BSA is determined by graphing the preamputation weight and height on a BSA nomogram. Next, the BSA of the amputated extremity is subtracted from the preamputation BSA to give the postamputation BSA. This value is then used in Wilmore's BSA equation to determine the postamputation BMR. The total energy expenditure including the energy expenditure of ambulation can be estimated by one of two methods. The first method applies the increased energy expenditure of ambulation for amputees to all non-basal activities. The second requires the actual distance ambulated per day. The latter provides a "truer" estimate of energy needs since ambulation is the major energy expenditure of elderly amputees.