Many people wish to know the answer to this question: how much should I weigh? There is no single ideal weight for all individuals, but various tools and calculators can offer a guide.
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) Perfect Height And Weight Chart For Men And Woman.
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 age and weight? ›
BMI ranges
below 18.5 – you're in the underweight range. between 18.5 and 24.9 – you're in the healthy weight range. between 25 and 29.9 – you're in the overweight range. 30 or over – you're in the obese range.
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 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 should my weight be for my height and age calculator? ›- Weight in pounds = 5 x BMI + (BMI divided by 5) x (Height in inches minus 60)
- Weight in kilograms = 2.2 x BMI + (3.5 x BMI) x (Height in meters minus 1.5)
Body Mass Index is a simple calculation using a person's height and weight. The formula is BMI = kg/m2 where kg is a person's weight in kilograms and m2 is their height in metres squared. A BMI of 25.0 or more is overweight, while the healthy range is 18.5 to 24.9. BMI applies to most adults 18-65 years.
What is a good BMI for 70 year old? ›Because muscle weighs more than fat, people who are very muscular may have a high BMI. Older people. In older adults it is often better to have a BMI of 25 to 27, rather than under 25.
What is a good BMI for a woman? ›A BMI of 18.5–24.9 is considered normal or healthy for most women. Even though healthcare professionals can use BMI as a screening tool, they shouldn't use it as a method to evaluate a person's body fat levels or health status ( 32 ). Keep in mind that health is much more than body weight or body composition.
How do I calculate my ideal body weight? ›Ideal body weight is computed in men as 50 + (0.91 × [height in centimeters − 152.4]) and in women as 45.5 + (0.91 × [height in centimeters − 152.4]). A simple alternative would be to compute ideal body weight as the weight corresponding to an ideal body mass index of 22 kg/m2.
At what BMI do you look best? ›(28) found that a BMI of 20 was considered the most attractive, while Swami et al. (29), and MacNeill and Best (30), found that an underweight body was most frequently selected.
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.
What is the weight chart according to age? ›| Male Children: 2 - 12 Years | ||
|---|---|---|
| 9 Years | 63.0 lb. (28.58 kg) | 52.5" (133.3 cm) |
| 10 Years | 70.5 lb. (32 kg) | 54.5" (138.4 cm) |
| 11 Years | 78.5 lb. (35.6 kg) | 56.5" (143.5 cm) |
| 12 Years | 88.0 lb. (39.92 kg) | 58.7" (149.1 cm) |
How much should a 5'2 female weigh? ›
| Height | Weight | |
|---|---|---|
| 5' 2" | 104 to 135 lbs. | 136 to 163 lbs. |
| 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. |
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.
Does BMI change with old age? ›Research has shown that BMI increases with age (Ogden et al., 2006; Sakamoto, 2006).
What is a normal 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 75 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.
How much should a 75 year old woman weigh? ›...
What's the Average Weight for Women?
| Age group (years) | Percent considered overweight or obese | Percent considered obese |
|---|---|---|
| 45-54 | 69.5 | 42.9 |
| 55-64 | 74.5 | 48.2 |
| 65-74 | 75.6 | 43.5 |
| 75 and up | 67.4 | 32.7 |
Average weight for a 5'4" female
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.
What exactly counts as being "skinny?" Some healthcare experts believe a BMI in the 15-18 range to be clinically underweight. This seems to fall pretty close to what many everyday people consider to be "skinny" with a BMI of 18 or lower frequently listed as the indicator of someone considered to be slim.
Where does weight loss show first? ›The first place men typically lose weight is the belly, while women tend to lose weight all over, but hold onto weight in their thighs and hips, Dr. Block explains.
Does BMI matter or body fat? ›
In comparison to body fat percentage, BMI gives a good idea of an individual's risk of weight-related diseases quickly and easily. If you work out regularly, body fat percentage should be calculated periodically to provide a more accurate picture of your health and fitness.
What week is your belly the biggest? ›Your Pregnant Belly: Second Trimester (Weeks 14 to 27)
Around the 20-week mark your uterus will have grown up to your belly button, which for many women causes their belly to noticeably protrude or pop.
Waist Circumference
If most of your fat is around your waist rather than at your hips, you're at a higher risk for heart disease and type 2 diabetes. This risk goes up with a waist size that is greater than 35 inches for women or greater than 40 inches for men.
So if you lose 1lb (0.45kg) a week you could hope to reduce your waistline by an inch after four weeks. Dieticians advise that if you eat 500 calories less than your daily requirement you will lose about 1lb every seven days (expect some variation from person to person).
Does age matter in body weight? ›The aging process brings about many changes in body composition, often without concomitant changes in body weight and body mass index (BMI) [1]. In general, as individuals age, percent body fat increases and lean mass and bone mineral density decrease.
What is considered morbidly obese for a 5'2 female? ›A BMI of 40+ suggests morbid obesity.
How can a woman lose weight after 60? ›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 is a healthy BMI for seniors? ›Evaluation of Weight Status
The World Health Organization (WHO) categorizes BMI for adults over the age of 20 years as follows: underweight, <18.5 kg/m2; normal weight, 18.5–24.9 kg/m2; pre-obesity, 25–29.9 kg/m2; stage 1 obesity, 30–34.9 kg/m2; stage 2 obesity, 35–39 kg/m2; and stage 3 obesity, >40 kg/m2.18)
Factors such as age, sex, ethnicity, and muscle mass can influence the relationship between BMI and body fat. Also, BMI does not distinguish between excess fat, muscle, or bone mass, nor does it provide any indication of the distribution of fat among individuals.
At what age does BMI peak? ›From birth till around the age of nine months the BMI increases to a maximum, referred to as the BMI peak [23]. After this peak the BMI decreases to a minimum around the age of 6 years, which is often referred to as the adiposity rebound [24], [25], before the BMI increases again.
Should your BMI be higher as you age? ›
As we age, we typically lose muscle and gain more fat, so our “normal” muscle-to-fat ratio will be higher. A large meta-analysis in 2014 showed adults over 65 actually had lower mortality rates when they had a higher BMI.
What is the ideal 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.
Should BMI be adjusted for age? ›However, the measure itself may have to be amended to account for age-related changes in body composition. Indeed, because muscle mass decreases with age, it might be wise to shift the healthy BMI range for older adults. The same BMI could mean very different things at age 25 versus age 75.
What is a good weight for a 70 year old woman? ›There are a number of factors to consider when determining an ideal body weight, including height, bone density, muscle mass, and overall health. But in general terms, most experts agree that a healthy body weight for a 70-year-old woman falls somewhere between 115 and 155 pounds.