What weight is right for your height - Сalculation and exceptions
How much should you weigh at a certain height (photo: freepik.com)
The correlation between weight and height is a common topic in the health and nutrition field. Many people wonder how much they should weigh in relation to their height, and while some formulas and tables can help determine a healthy weight range, it is important to remember that each person is unique.
What weight is considered normal?
Body Mass Index (BMI) is the most reliable and well-known formula. One of the most commonly used tools for determining whether a person has a healthy weight to their height is the body mass index (BMI).
BMI is calculated by dividing weight into kilograms by the height squared.
BMI categories include:
- Underweight: BMI less than 18.5
- Normal weight: BMI from 18.5 to 24.9
- Overweight: BMI between 25 and 29.9
- Obesity: BMI equal to or greater than 30
There are exceptions to every rule
While BMI tables and understanding overweight are useful, there are a few exceptions and considerations that nutritionists take into account when assessing ideal weight:
Body structure
BMI does not distinguish between muscle mass and fat mass. A very muscular person can have a high BMI but be in excellent physical shape. Therefore, it is important to consider body composition when assessing weight.
Age and gender
Weight needs can vary depending on age and gender. For example, women tend to have more body fat than men due to hormonal differences that can affect ideal ranges.
Fat distribution
Fat distribution also plays a crucial role in overall health.
Abdominal fat is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, regardless of BMI.
Genetic factors
Genetic factors can affect your ideal body weight.
Some people may have a genetic predisposition to be thinner or heavier, which should be taken into account when setting realistic goals.
Determining how much you should weigh for your height can be useful as a starting point for assessing your overall health; however, it should not be seen as a hard-and-fast rule.
Read also about a cheap vitamin that will help you lose weight and burn belly fat.
Sources: LiveStrong, Marca, Health.
This material is for informational purposes only and should not be used for medical diagnosis or self-treatment. Our goal is to provide readers with accurate information about symptoms, causes, and methods of detecting diseases. RBС-Ukraine is not responsible for any diagnoses that readers may make based on materials from the resource. We do not recommend self-treatment and advise consulting a doctor in case of any health concerns.
