
The weight of the body increases not only because of increase in fat content; there are many other factors associated with uncontrolled rise in weight. To keep the weight in check, one should have knowledge of the correct figures for weight and height. The charts given below should prove to be useful.
The right weight for height is determined by measuring the Fat:Lean Muscle Mass ratio. Lean muscle mass is measured using a method called bio-electrical impedance. The presence of right amount of fat in the body helps in the maintenance of proper weight with respect to height. Different methods like hydrostatic weighing, water displacement, body circumference and skin fold measurement, etc. are used in measuring the composition of body. The amount of fat present in men having a fit body is 14-17%, while fit women possess 21-24% of body fat. In case of athletes, the ideal fat percentage needs to be 14-20% and 6-13% in women and men respectively. At the time of puberty, hormonal changes in the body lead to growth of muscles that takes place faster than usual. The growth is especially faster in boys. Height can increase by as much as 10 inches during puberty. Therefore, one should keep track of the height-weight ratio in this phase and take proper care of their health.
Right Weight for Height
The problem of obesity troubles people with questions like what would be the right weight-height ratio, how do we maintain a balance between weight of fats and muscles in the body, etc. Measuring the body mass index (BMI) would be the answer to it and also an important step in the process of maintaining the right weight for a certain height. The body mass index is calculated by taking into account the height and weight of the person in question. The formulas given below would help in calculating the BMI.
The Imperial BMI Formula: [Weight in Pounds / (Height in inches x Height in inches)] x 703
The Metric BMI Formula: [Weight in Kilograms / (Height in meters x Height in meters)]
The above formulas should help in determining the BMI for a particular combination of body weight and height. The value of BMI below 19 indicates that a person is underweight. The value between 19 and 25 is considered normal; anything above 25 indicates that the person in question is overweight. One can get a rough idea as to what should be the ideal weight from these facts. The BMI values could prove to be useful when used with other measurements such as circumference of the upper arm, waist, etc. If BMI is normal and the waist measurements indicate high body fat content, then one should take appropriate measures to maintain a balance in the height and weight. All the measurements presented in paragraphs above thus, offer a balanced picture of the health of body.
Right Weight for Height Chart
The charts given below should be useful in maintaining the correct weight for height.
Weight-Height Chart for Men
Height | Small Body Frame (lbs) |
Medium Body Frame (lbs) |
Large Body Frame (lbs) |
5’2″ | 128-134 | 131-141 | 138-150 |
5’4″ | 132-138 | 135-145 | 142-156 |
5’6″ | 136-142 | 139-151 | 146-164 |
5’8″ | 140-148 | 145-157 | 152-172 |
5’10” | 144-154 | 151-163 | 158-180 |
6’0″ | 149-160 | 157-170 | 164-188 |
6’2″ | 155-168 | 164-178 | 172-197 |
6’4″ | 162-176 | 171-187 | 181-207 |
Weight-Height Chart for Women
Height | Small Body Frame (lbs) |
Medium Body Frame (lbs) |
Large Body Frame (lbs) |
4’10” | 102-111 | 109-121 | 118-131 |
5’0″ | 104-115 | 113-126 | 122-137 |
5’2″ | 108-121 | 118-132 | 128-143 |
5’4″ | 114-127 | 124-138 | 134-151 |
5’6″ | 120-133 | 130-144 | 140-159 |
5’8″ | 126-139 | 136-150 | 146-167 |
5’10” | 132-145 | 142-156 | 152-173 |
6’0″ | 138-151 | 148-162 | 158-179 |
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With the help values of average weight and height given above, one can determine their correct ratio. There are however, limitations which do not allow the above charts to predict the weight of say, bodybuilders, pregnant women, etc. Bodybuilders, due to their muscular growth are bound to gain more weight than others. It doesn’t mean they are over weight. The chart wouldn’t prove to be useful in such cases. Similarly, in case of pregnant women, the weight gained by them is greater than what it would be considered normal.
Regular exercise is important in keeping the body fit and maintaining the right weight for height; it helps reduces the excess fats present in the body. Diets also play an important role in keeping the body healthy. Therefore, one should take into consideration the different factors along with BMI to maintain the height-weight ratio.
Disclaimer: This Buzzle article is for informative purposes only, and should not be used as a replacement for expert medical advice.