Many people wish to know the answer to this question: how much should I weigh? However, there is no single ideal weight for all individuals.
A note about sex and gender
Sex and gender exist on spectrums. This article will use the terms “male,” “female,” or both to refer to sex assigned at birth. Click here to learn more.
Everybody is different, and various factors play a role in determining each person’s ideal weight. These factors can be biological, such as age, height, and natal sex, but mental factors can be just as important.
An individual may define their ideal weight as the one with which they feel the most comfortable.
However, maintaining a moderate weight can reduce a person’s risk of developing a number of health conditions, including:
- obesity
- type 2 diabetes
- high blood pressure
- cardiovascular disease (CVD)
However, not everyone with excess weight will develop health issues. However, researchers believe that while this extra weight might not currently affect health, difficulties in managing weight could lead to problems in the future.
Read on to discover the different ways of working out a person’s ideal weight.
BMI is a common tool that measures a person’s weight in relation to their height. A BMI calculation provides a single number, which falls into the
- A BMI of less than 18.5 means a person is underweight.
- A BMI of between 18.5 and 24.9 is ideal.
- A BMI of between 25 and 29.9 is overweight.
- A BMI over 30 indicates obesity.
Body mass index calculator
To calculate BMI, a person can use BMI calculators or review the charts below.
Weight and height guide chart
The following weight and height chart uses BMI tables from the
| Height | Normal weight BMI 19–24 | Overweight BMI 25–29 | Obesity BMI 30–39 | Severe obesity BMI 40+ |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 ft 10 in (58 in) | 91–115 lb | 119–138 lb | 143–186 lb | 191–258 lb |
| 4 ft 11 in (59 in) | 94–119 lb | 124–143 lb | 148–193 lb | 198–267 lb |
| 5ft (60 in”) | 97–123 lb | 128–148 lb | 153–199 lb | 204–276 lb |
| 5 ft 1 in (61 in) | 100–127 lb | 132–153 lb | 158–206 lb | 211–285 lb |
| 5 ft 2 in (62 in) | 104–131 lb | 136–158 lb | 164–213 lb | 218–295 lb |
| 5 ft 3 in (63 in) | 107–135 lb | 141–163 lb | 169–220 lb | 225–304 lb |
| 5 ft 4 in (64 in) | 110–140 lb | 145–169 lb | 174–227 lb | 232–314 lb |
| 5 ft 5 in (65 in) | 114–144 lb | 150–174 lb | 180–234 lb | 240–324 lb |
| 5 ft 6 in (66 in) | 118–148 lb | 155–179 lb | 186–241 lb | 247–334 lb |
| 5 ft 7 in (67 in) | 121–153 lb | 159–185 lb | 191–249 lb | 255–344 lb |
| 5 ft 8 in (68 in) | 125–158 lb | 164–190 lb | 197–256 lb | 262–354 lb |
| 5 ft 9 in (69 in) | 128–162 lb | 169–196 lb | 203–263 lb | 270–365 lb |
| 5 ft 10 in (70 in) | 132–167 lb | 174–202 lb | 209–271 lb | 278–376 lb |
| 5 ft 11 in (71 in) | 136–172 lb | 179–208 lb | 215–279 lb | 286–386 lb |
| 6 ft (72 in) | 140–177 lb | 184–213 lb | 221–287 lb | 294–397 lb |
| 6 ft 1 in (73 in) | 144–182 lb | 189–219 lb | 227–295 lb | 302–408 lb |
| 6 ft 2 in (74 in) | 148–186 lb | 194–225 lb | 233–303 lb | 311–420 lb |
| 6 ft 3 in (75 in) | 152–192 lb | 200–232 lb | 240–311 lb | 319–431 lb |
| 6 ft 4 in (76 in) | 156–197 lb | 205–238 lb | 246–320 lb | 328–443 lb |
BMI based on age
Age is not a factor in BMI for adults, but it is for children. This is because they are growing. The
To calculate a child’s BMI, a person can use the
The CDC’s BMI charts for children use percentiles that compare measurements with
What is the problem with BMI?
BMI is a very simple measurement. While it takes height into consideration, it does not account for factors such as:
- waist or hip measurements
- the proportion or distribution of fat
- the proportion of muscle mass
These factors can affect health. For example, high-performance athletes tend to be very fit and have little body fat. They can have a high BMI because they have more muscle mass, but this does not mean they weigh too much for their height.
Another limitation of BMI is that it does not distinguish between people of different ethnicities. Studies have shown that at the same BMI, non-Hispanic white, non-Hispanic Black, and Mexican Americans may have significantly
This inaccuracy may lead to a misdiagnosis or an incorrect assessment of risk factors between individuals.
BMI can offer a rough idea of whether or not a person is at a moderate weight, and it is useful for measuring trends in population studies.
However, it should not be the only measure for an individual to assess whether their weight is ideal.
Learn more about the limitations of BMI.
A person’s WHR compares their waist size with that of their hips. A high WHR
Research has shown that people with a high WHR are more likely to develop CVD and diabetes.
The higher the waist measurement in proportion to the hips, the greater this risk. For this reason, the WHR is a useful tool for calculating whether a person has a moderate weight and size.
Measuring WHR
To calculate their WHR, a person should measure around their waist at the narrowest part, usually just above the belly button. They can then divide this measurement by the width of their hip at its widest part.
For example, if a person’s waist is 28 inches, and their hips are 36 inches, they will divide 28 by 36, giving a WHR of 0.77.
What does it mean?
Optimal WHR differs between sex at birth and ethnicities, according to an
Having a high WHR can put people at a
The following are average values for WHRs and their associations with health risks.
| Health risk | Male | Female |
|---|---|---|
| Low risk | below 0.9 | below 0.8 |
| Moderate risk | 0.9–0.99 | 0.8–0.89 |
| High risk | over 1.0 | over 0.9 |
Studies have linked having a high WHR with an increased risk of developing myocardial infarctions, commonly known as heart attacks.
However, as with BMI, the WHR does have limitations. For example, this measure does not measure a person’s total body fat percentage or their muscle-to-fat ratio accurately.
To discover more evidence-based information and resources for obesity & weight management, visit our dedicated hub.
The waist-to-height ratio (WtHR) is another tool that might predict the risk of heart disease, diabetes, and overall mortality more effectively than BMI.
Measuring WtHR
To calculate WtHR, a person should divide their waist size by their height. If the result is 0.5 or less, they are likely to have a moderate weight.
A 2014 study concluded that a WtHR of
(Video) How Much Should You Weigh For Your Height, Gender, And Body Frame Size?
Body fat percentage is the weight of a person’s fat divided by their total weight. This measurement includes both a person’s essential and stored fat.
An individual needs essential fat to survive — it is critical for the development of the brain, bone marrow, nerves, and membranes.
Storage fat is the fatty tissue that protects the internal organs in the chest and abdomen, and the body can use it if necessary for energy.
Learn more about measuring body fat.
Recommendations
Apart from the approximate guidelines for males and females, the ideal total fat percentage can depend on a person’s body type or activity level.
| Activity level | Male body type | Female body type |
| Athletes | 6–13% | 14–20% |
| Fit non-athletes | 14–17% | 21–24% |
| Acceptable | 18–24% | 25–31% |
| Obesity | 25% or more | 32% or more |
Learn more about body fat levels by age and sex.
A high proportion of body fat can indicate a greater risk of:
- diabetes
- heart disease
- high blood pressure
- stroke
Calculating body fat percentage may be a suitable way to measure a person’s fitness level because it reflects their body composition, unlike DMI, WHR, and WtHR.
How to measure body fat
The most common way of measuring body fat percentage is to use a skinfold measurement, which uses special calipers to pinch the skin.
A health professional will measure tissue on the thigh, abdomen, and chest for males or upper arm for females.
Other measures include
- hydrostatic body fat measuring, or “underwater weighing”
- air densitometry, which measures air displacement
- dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry
- bioelectrical impedance analysis
While none of these can give an accurate reading, the estimates are close enough to offer a reasonable assessment.
Learn more about the different ways to measure body fat.
(Video) How Much Should I Weigh? | What Matters for Healthy Weight Loss 1
BMI, WHR, WtHR, and body-fat percentage are four ways of assessing weight.
Combining them may be the best way to get an accurate idea of whether a person should consider managing their weight.
Anyone with concerns about their weight, waist size, or body composition should speak with a doctor or nutritionist who can advise about suitable options.
Q:
Does it matter if a person is overweight, as long as they are healthy and comfortable?
A:
It is important to remember that there is a link between being overweight and a higher risk of many chronic diseases, including diabetes, hypertension, and metabolic syndrome.
Additionally, carrying extra weight can be tough on the skeletal system and joints, and it can result in changes in motor function and postural control.
This may be because having extra body weight can reduce muscular strength and endurance, distort a person’s posture, and cause discomfort with normal body movements.
For young people, excess weight during the growth development stages can contribute to unusual motor patterning. This can remain into adulthood.
FAQs
What is a good BMI for my height and weight? ›
If your BMI is less than 18.5, it falls within the underweight range. If your BMI is 18.5 to 24.9, it falls within the normal or Healthy Weight range. If your BMI is 25.0 to 29.9, it falls within the overweight range. If your BMI is 30.0 or higher, it falls within the obese range.
What is a good BMI for my age? ›For most adults, an ideal BMI is in the 18.5 to 24.9 range. For children and young people aged 2 to 18, the BMI calculation takes into account age and gender as well as height and weight. If your BMI is: below 18.5 – you're in the underweight range.
How do I calculate a healthy weight for me? ›It is calculated according to BMI = weight/height² . The optimal, healthy range for BMI is between 18.5 and 24.9. Our ideal weight calculator converts this back into weight, presenting to you the range of appropriate weights for your height.
How do I figure my BMI? ›Body mass index (BMI) is a person's weight in kilograms divided by the square of height in meters.
What is a perfect BMI score? ›So what should your ideal weight be? Current guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the World Health Organization, define a normal BMI range as 18.5 to 24.9. Overweight is defined as 25 or higher; obesity is 30 or higher; and severe obesity is 35 and up.
What is the weight according to age? ›| Female Children: 2 - 12 Years | ||
|---|---|---|
| Age | Weight | Height |
| 2 Years | 26.5 lb. (12.02 kg) | 33.7" (85.5 cm) |
| 3 Years | 31.5 lb. (14.29 kg) | 37.0" (94 cm) |
| 4 Years | 34.0 lb. (15.42 kg) | 39.5" (100.3 cm) |
Average weights of U.S. women across the adult lifespan are: Ages 20-39: 167.6 pounds. Ages 40-59: 176.4 pounds. Ages 60 and up: 166.5 pounds.
How much should a 60 year old woman weigh? ›...
What's the Average Weight for Women?
| Age group (years) | Average weight (pounds) |
|---|---|
| 20-39 | 167.6 |
| 40-59 | 176.4 |
| 60 and older | 166.5 |
Normal weight at 118 to 159 pounds (BMI = 18.5-24.9) Overweight at 160 to 191 pounds (BMI = 25-29.9) Obese at 192 pounds or more (BMI = 30+)
What is a healthy weight for a 73 year old woman? ›| BMI | 19 | 25 |
|---|---|---|
| 71 | 136 | 179 |
| 72 | 140 | 184 |
| 73 | 144 | 189 |
| 74 | 148 | 194 |
Does your BMI change with age? ›
BMI changes substantially with age. After about 1 year of age, BMI-for-age begins to decline and it continues falling during the preschool years until it reaches a minimum around 4 to 6 years of age. After 4 to 6 years of age, BMI-for-age begins a gradual increase through adolescence and most of adulthood.
How do I calculate my daily weight? ›To get the most accurate readings on the scale, follow these tips: Weigh yourself at the same time of day to get an accurate comparison. Use the bathroom before weighing yourself. Wear as little clothing as possible when you weigh yourself, and try to wear the same or similar clothing each time you weigh in.
What is a healthy belly size? ›What should your waist measurement be? For men, a waist circumference below 94cm (37in) is 'low risk', 94–102cm (37-40in) is 'high risk' and more than 102cm (40in) is 'very high'. For women, below 80cm (31.5in) is low risk, 80–88cm (31.5-34.6in) is high risk and more than 88cm (34.6in) is very high.
How do I calculate BMI manually? ›Then, calculate BMI by dividing weight in pounds (lb) by height in inches (in) squared and multiplying by a conversion factor of 703. When using a handheld calculator, if your calculator has a square function, divide weight (lb) by height (in) squared, multiply by 703, and round to one decimal place.
How much should a 5'5 female weigh? ›| Height | Weight | |
|---|---|---|
| 5' 3" | 107 to 140 lbs. | 141 to 168 lbs. |
| 5' 4" | 110 to 144 lbs. | 145 to 173 lbs. |
| 5' 5" | 114 to 149 lbs. | 150 to 179 lbs. |
| 5' 6" | 118 to 154 lbs. | 155 to 185 lbs. |
"How tall is Oprah?" is the question on many keyboards this morning, as Oprah confesses that her current weight of 200 pounds gives her, at her height, a body mass index, or BMI, of 31.8, which is considered obese. Oprah Winfrey's height is listed on IMDb as 5'6 1/2. How does your body mass index compare to Oprah's?
What is the normal BMI range for a woman? ›A BMI of 18.5–24.9 is considered normal or healthy for most women.
What is a bad BMI score? ›18 or lower: underweight. 18.5 to 24.9: normal, healthy weight. 25 to 29.9: overweight. 30 or higher: obese.
What is overweight for a 65 year old? ›Doctors recommend most adults keep their BMI between 18 and 24.9. Adults with a BMI over 25 are considered obese. On the other hand, older adults do better if they have a BMI between 25 and 27. Research shows that adults over 65 who are underweight experience more health issues and shorter life expectancy.
What is a healthy BMI for a 65 year old woman? ›In older adults it is often better to have a BMI between 25 and 27, rather than under 25.
How many calories does a 65 year old woman need per day? ›
In general, average healthy women over 60 should consume 1,600–2,200 calories to maintain their weight and stay healthy. Women who are more active should stay on the higher end of their calorie intake range, while women who are more sedentary should stay on the lower end of their range.
What happens to your body in your sixties? ›Your skin turns drier and itchier and may look like crepe paper or tissue. Wrinkles, age spots, creases, and bruises become more noticeable. Your sweat glands also get less active. That means you might not sweat as much, but wounds on your skin may take longer to heal.
Should you weigh more as you get older? ›As we get older, our bodies don't respond the same way to weight loss efforts, and science has some explanations to offer. As we age we naturally tend to gain weight, to the tune of 1 to 2 pounds (lb) per year, according to a review by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality.
How tall is the average 60 year old woman? ›The average female aged 60-69 measures 63.2 inches. This is 0.5 inches less than the average for all women. Women continually shrink after age 69, though. By the time the average woman is 80 years old, she measures just 61.3 inches, or just over 5 feet tall.
What is the best way for a 70 year old to lose weight? ›Burn more calories than you eat or drink. Eat more veggies, fruits, whole grains, fish, beans, and low-fat or fat-free dairy; and keep meat and poultry lean. Limit empty calories, like sugars and foods with little or no nutritional value. Avoid fad diets because the results don't last.
What should an older woman weigh? ›Metropolitan tables list ideal body weight ranges for women of different heights and frame sizes. For example, a woman over 60 who is 5 feet 2 inches tall has an ideal body weight range of 108 to 143 pounds, while a 5-foot-6 woman has a desirable weight range of 120 to 159 pounds.
How much should a 5 foot 4 inch 70 year old woman weigh? ›The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute indicates that a healthy weight for a woman who is 5 feet, 4 inches tall ranges from 110 to 140 pounds with a BMI of 19 to 24. A woman whose BMI score is above 25 falls in the overweight category and 30 and above falls in the obesity category.
How much walking should a 73 year old woman do? ›Adults aged 65 and older need: At least 150 minutes a week (for example, 30 minutes a day, 5 days a week) of moderate intensity activity such as brisk walking. Or they need 75 minutes a week of vigorous-intensity activity such as hiking, jogging, or running.
How much body fat should a 72 year old woman have? ›Adult females 20 to 39 years should strive for a body fat percentage between 21 and 32 percent. Forty to 59-year-old women should fall within the 23 to 33 percent range, while those 60 years and older should be between 24 and 35 percent.
How many calories does a 73 year old woman need? ›Consume about 2,600 calories a day if you are active. A female older than 70 years should eat between 1,600 to 2,000 calories daily if you are a sedentary to active.
Is BMI different for older adults? ›
...
BMI in Adults vs. BMI in Older Adults.
| Category | BMI Range for Adults | BMI Range for Older Adults |
|---|---|---|
| Overweight | 25 – 29.9 | >31 |
| Obese | 30+ |
Although BMI can be used on most adults, it does have some limitations: It may overestimate body fat in athletes and people who have a muscular build; and. It may underestimate body fat in older persons and people who do not have a lot of muscle tissue.
Does BMI account for breast size? ›Does BMI account for breast size? - Quora. If you have a high bmi it's possible that fat may have accumulated around your breasts. But you will get a sense of just how much by looking at your overall proportions, whether your breasts have always been large etc.
How long after you eat should you weigh yourself? ›According to the Mayo Clinic, food can take up to eight hours to pass through your digestive system, which can cause you to retain a little extra weight until the process has ended.
What time of day is heaviest? ›Under normal conditions, we're all heavier at the end of the day. Not fatter, heavier. Natural variability means that somebody like me can easily weigh 3-4 kilos (6.6-8.8lbs) more at night time. Which is why it's best for us to step on the scales at the same time of day each time.
Should you weigh yourself with clothes on or off? ›Clothing. Wearing clothing while weighing yourself can add up to two pounds—more if you're wearing shoes. Again, this isn't a big deal if you consistently weigh yourself wearing the same thing, but since our clothes vary with our moods and seasons, it's best to go without when you step on the scale.
What causes big belly? ›If you eat too much and exercise too little, you're likely to carry excess weight — including belly fat. Also, your muscle mass might diminish slightly with age, while fat increases.
What foods make your waist smaller? ›Eating a healthy, varied diet that is high in fruits and vegetables — including soluble fiber, vitamin D, and probiotics — is the best plan for losing weight from your waistline. Avoiding refined carbohydrates, sugar, and processed foods whenever possible will help you cut calories and get rid of fat more quickly.
What body type has a big belly? ›Endomorph You tend to have more body fat than the other body types in this framework. Catudal says that women who are endomorphs may be described as curvaceous, while men may be called stocky. You tend to carry weight in your belly, hips, and thighs.
Is Morning height your true height? ›A person's height changes throughout the day. A person is at their tallest in the morning when they first wake and gradually loses some height throughout the day. There is no best time to measure height.
How can I measure my self at home? ›
Lightly mark the wall with a pencil at the point where the ruler or book (or other flat object) meets your head. Use a tape measure — ideally a metal one that will remain straight — to measure the distance from the floor to the mark on the wall.
What is a good BMI female? ›A BMI of 18.5–24.9 is considered normal or healthy for most women.
Is a BMI of 24.75 good? ›BMI Weight Categories
A BMI under 18.5 is considered underweight, 18.5 to 24.9 is considered normal, 25 to 29.9 is overweight and 30 and above is obese. If your BMI is 24, that's good news, because it means you're in the healthy range and have a low risk of disease.
18 or lower: underweight. 18.5 to 24.9: normal, healthy weight. 25 to 29.9: overweight. 30 or higher: obese.
Is 29.94 a good BMI? ›A BMI of 25 to 29.9 is considered overweight. A BMI of 30 and above is considered obese. Individuals who fall into the BMI range of 25 to 34.9, and have a waist size of over 40 inches for men and 35 inches for women, are considered to be at especially high risk for health problems.
What is the best BMI for a senior woman? ›Older people.
In older adults it is often better to have a BMI between 25 and 27, rather than under 25. If you are older than 65, for example, a slightly higher BMI may help protect you from thinning of the bones (osteoporosis).
| Height | Weight | |
|---|---|---|
| 5' | 97 to 127 lbs. | 128 to 152 lbs. |
| 5' 1" | 100 to 131 lbs. | 132 to 157 lbs. |
| 5' 2" | 104 to 135 lbs. | 136 to 163 lbs. |
| 5' 3" | 107 to 140 lbs. | 141 to 168 lbs. |
Is BMI an accurate assessment of my health? Yes and no. BMI is a useful tool for healthcare professionals to quickly identify health risks—for example, a person with a high BMI has a greater chance of developing cardiovascular disease and diabetes—but your BMI alone doesn't provide a detailed picture of your health.
Should I lose weight if my BMI is 24? ›Your BMI is 24
Your BMI of 24 is considered healthy. If you have no difficulties maintaining your weight, weight loss procedures are not an option for you.
Accordingly, the ideal weight for 5'6'' womens is from 115 to 154 pounds, which is equivalent to a BMI of 18.5 to 24.9. So, if a woman weighs more than this range tends to pose a risk of being overweight or even obese if her weight is far higher than that.
What is a good BMI for a 60 year old woman? ›
Calculating BMI, or body mass index, is another way to help determine ideal body weights in women over age 60. Desirable, healthy BMIs are 18.5 to 24.9, according to the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute.
What is a good BMI for a 50 year old woman? ›Body mass index (BMI) is an estimate of body composition, based on weight and height. Doctors consider a moderate BMI for women to be 18.5–24.9. A BMI of 30 or above may indicate obesity.
How many pounds is considered fat? ›| Height | Weight Range | Considered |
|---|---|---|
| 5′ 9″ | 125 lbs to 168 lbs | Healthy weight |
| 169 lbs to 202 lbs | Overweight | |
| 203 lbs or more | Obesity | |
| 271 lbs or more | Class 3 Obesity |
Underweight: BMI below 18.5. Normal: BMI of 18.5 to 24.9. Overweight: BMI of 25 to 29.9. Obese: BMI of 30 or higher.
How do I lower my BMI from 30 to 25? ›- REDUCE YOUR DAILY CALORIE INTAKE. The basic rule of lowering your BMI, and to maintain a healthy weight generally, is to consume the same or slightly less calories than you burn. ...
- CUT DOWN ON SALT. ...
- GET YOUR HEART PUMPING.