What is the ideal weight-to-height ratio? How much should I weigh for my height? What is body mass index (BMI), and how it is calculated? Given here are the answers to all your height-related queries.
Talk about controlling weight, losing extra pounds, or just staying fit, the first thing that comes to mind is the recommended and ideal weight for one’s height and age. Indeed, maintaining normal weight according to height is one of the best approaches to stay healthy. On the contrary, being overweight or obese increases the risks of certain lifestyle-related diseases, such as high blood pressure (hypertension), heart problems, cardiovascular diseases, and in severe cases, mobility problems and disability.
In this regard, a few questions come to mind as far as ideal weight is concerned. We will discuss these, along with a table that depicts specific weight ranges as per a person’s height. Besides these, we will also talk about how the BMI system works, and its overall effectiveness in relation to determining whether an individual is actually underweight, relatively fit, or obese.
What’s Your Question?
↬ For leading a healthy life, how much should I weigh?
↬ Does my weight complement my height?
↬ Considering my height, how do I decide if I am overweight, underweight, or just right?
↬ How much should a person weigh at the height of 5′ 7″?
If these have been your questions, your doubts find their refuge here.
Ideal Weight Range (in pounds) | ||
Height (ft. inches and centimeters) | Female | Male |
4′ 6″ (137 cm) | 63 to 77 lb | 63 to 77 lb |
4′ 7″ (140 cm) | 68 to 83 lb | 68 to 84 lb |
4′ 8″ (142 cm) | 72 to 88 lb | 74 to 90 lb |
4′ 9″ (145 cm) | 77 to 94 lb | 79 to 97 lb |
4′ 10″ (147 cm) | 81 to 99 lb | 85 to 103 lb |
4′ 11″ (150 cm) | 86 to 105 lb | 90 to 110 lb |
5′ 0″ (152 cm) | 90 to 110 lb | 95 to 117 lb |
5′ 1″ (155 cm) | 95 to 116 lb | 101 to 123 lb |
5′ 2″ (157 cm) | 99 to 121 lb | 106 to 130 lb |
5′ 3″ (160 cm) | 104 to 127 lb | 112 to 136 lb |
5′ 4″ (163 cm) | 108 to 132 lb | 117 to 143 lb |
5′ 5″ (165 cm) | 113 to 138 lb | 122 to 150 lb |
5′ 6″ (168 cm) | 117 to 143 lb | 128 to 156 lb |
5′ 7″ (170 cm) | 122 to 149 lb | 133 to 163 lb |
5′ 8″ (173 cm) | 126 to 154 lb | 139 to 169 lb |
5′ 9″ (175 cm) | 131 to 160 lb | 144 to 176 lb |
5′ 10″ (178 cm) | 135 to 165 lb | 149 to 183 lb |
5′ 11″ (180 cm) | 140 to 171 lb | 155 to 189 lb |
6′ 0″ (183 cm) | 144 to 176 lb | 160 to 196 lb |
6′ 1″ (185 cm) | 149 to 182 lb | 166 to 202 lb |
6′ 2″ (188 cm) | 153 to 187 lb | 171 to 209 lb |
6′ 3″ (191 cm) | 158 to 193 lb | 176 to 216 lb |
6′ 4″ (193 cm) | 162 to 198 lb | 182 to 222 lb |
6′ 5″ (195 cm) | 167 to 204 lb | 187 to 229 lb |
6′ 6″ (198 cm) | 171 to 209 lb | 193 to 235 lb |
6′ 7″ (201 cm) | 176 to 215 lb | 198 to 242 lb |
6′ 8″ (203 cm) | 180 to 220 lb | 203 to 249 lb |
6′ 9″ (205 cm) | 185 to 226 lb | 209 to 255 lb |
6′ 10″ (208 cm) | 189 to 231 lb | 214 to 262 lb |
6′ 11″ (210 cm) | 194 to 237 lb | 220 to 268 lb |
7′ 0″ (213 cm) | 198 to 242 lb | 225 to 275 lb |
All About Height-to-Weight Ratio
In today’s scenario, it is a concerning fact that the number of people (irrespective of age and gender) whose average weight is above the normal range is increasing day by day. While childhood obesity is a global problem, the percentage of children afflicted with obesity is higher in developed countries. The main factors that contribute towards unwanted weight gain include poor diet comprising high amounts of processed foods, unhealthy eating habits, lack of physical exercise, and a stressful lifestyle.
In medical science, the height-to-weight ratio chart is crucially followed by health care practitioners for examining the overall health and well-being of an individual. It is used as a reference chart for people mostly between 18 to 60 years of age. The height of those below 18 years of age tends to increase gradually, thus affecting the height-weight ratio. In case you are concerned about the weight and height measurement units, you can refer to this Weight and Height Conversion Chart for clearing your incertitudes.
What Should be the Ideal Weight for My Height?
While controlling weight within a healthy range largely depends upon your height, there is no exact answer for the normal weight with respect to a specific height. This is because, the criterion for estimating weight varies depending upon the body type, body structure, and bone density.
An example for better understanding:
Let us consider that a normal person and a bodybuilder are of the same height. As muscle weighs more than fat, the ideal body weight for the bodybuilder with respect to his height will be greater than the normal individual, even if they are of the same height.
Another one:
As for the difference in the ideal weight range according to body frame, assume that two adult females have the same height (5′ 5″) but different body frames (one has a small frame and the other has a large frame). The healthy weight for them is 113 to 138 pounds, and 137 to 155 pounds, respectively. Likewise, the correct weight values of an adult male and an adult female will vary significantly, even if their height is the same. This way, the ideal weight for people with the same height varies under different circumstances.
For estimating healthy weight according to your height and body frame, check out this application – Ideal Weight for Adults.
How to Calculate BMI?
One of the most reliable methods to estimate healthy weight corresponding to height is the body mass index system. All you need to do is measure your height in inches or centimeters and weight in pounds, and jot down the value. BMI is calculated by using the following formula:
☛ [Weight in Pounds ÷ (Height in inches)2 ] × 703
Following is the classification of weight categories according to an individual’s BMI value:
Underweight – if the calculated BMI is below 18.5
Normal Weight – the BMI falls within the range of 18.5 to 24.9
Overweight – the BMI range is between 25 to 29.9
Obese – the BMI is equal to or more than 30
With reference to the above BMI classification, if an individual belongs to the normal weight category, it indicates that he is following a balanced diet. It is obvious that an underweight person should gain weight by including more nutritious food items in his diet. On the contrary, overweight and obese people should cut down on the consumption of fatty foods and drinks (aerated or alcohol), in order to lose weight. They can include fresh fruits, vegetables, and other fiber-rich foods in their diet, and perform physical activities to burn excess calories.
Cons of The BMI System
Though the BMI system is globally followed for determining whether a person’s body weight is ideal or not, it has certain drawbacks. In this method, muscle mass and waist measurements are not considered. Hence, bodybuilders often come under the overweight category. Therefore, there are some limitations of the BMI chart. Regarding proper weight according to height and age, an individual’s age has a great influence in the body’s metabolism. As one grows older, his/her metabolic process slows down, and the chances of putting on weight are higher. Hence, losing weight at that particular age will require some extra effort, coupled with a strong determination.
To sum up the height-weight ratio, waist size (35 inches – women and 40 inches – men is the maximum limit), age, and preexisting ailments (if any) should be taken into consideration, to confirm whether a person is actually fit or not. In addition to following a healthy diet, regular exercise is a must for everyone to remain healthy and disease-free, regardless of the weight category to which they belong.
Disclaimer: This article is for informative purposes only, and should not be used as a replacement for professional medical advice.