The definition of health is diverse. Physical health, which is one component of overall health, can be assessed in several different ways. Objective factors, such as blood pressure or cholesterol, can be measured to indicate how healthy you are. Additionally, your body weight can be an important indication of your health. Although many exceptions are applicable, a set of standards for body weight has been developed by the Centers for Disease Control and the National Institutes of Health.
Ideal Weight by Height for Men
The NIH has authorized the use of a general formula to calculate the ideal body weight for an adult male. Typically, an adult is considered to be someone age 20 or older. For males, the formula recommends calculating 106 pounds of body weight for the first 5 feet of height. For each additional inch, add 6 pounds to the total weight. Using this formula, a man who is 6 feet 2 inches tall could calculate his ideal body weight in the following manner: Assume 106 pounds for the first 5 feet of height, then add 6 pounds for each additional inch of height beyond 5 feet (in this case, 14 additional inches, or 84 pounds). Adding 106 pounds to 84 pounds produces an estimated ideal body weight of 190 pounds for an adult male who is 6 feet 2 inches tall.
Ideal Weight by Height for Women
Similarly, the NIH has derived a formula to calculate the ideal body weight for an adult female. Again, an adult is considered to be someone age 20 years or older. For females, the formula recommends calculating 100 pounds of body weight for the first 5 feet of height. For each additional inch, add 5 pounds to the total weight. According to this formula, a woman who is 5 feet 6 inches tall could calculate her ideal body weight in the following manner: Assume 100 pounds for the first 5 feet of height, then add 5 additional pounds for each inch of height beyond 5 feet (in this case, 6 additional inches, or 30 pounds). Adding 100 pounds to 30 pounds produces an estimated ideal body weight of 130 pounds for an adult female who is 5 feet 6 inches tall.
Body Mass Index Standards for Adults
Body mass index, or BMI, is a calculation using weight and height to assess the health of your body composition. Specifically, according to the CDC, a BMI measurement is a reliable indication of body fat. Your BMI is calculated by dividing your weight in pounds by your height in inches squared, then multiplying by the conversion factor of 703. For example, a male who is 6 feet 2 inches tall and weighs 190 pounds would use the following calculation: 190 pounds divided by 74 inches squared equals 0.0346. Multiplying 0.0346 by 703 equals a BMI measurement of 24.323. The CDC has further divided BMI measurements into categories of underweight, normal weight, overweight and obesity. A BMI below 18.5 is considered underweight; 18.5 to 24.9 is normal weight; 25.0 to 29.9 is overweight; and 30.0 and above is obese. A person with a BMI of 24.323 is placed in the normal weight category.
Body Mass Index Standards for Elderly Adults
The NIH maintains the same recommendations for BMI measurements as the CDC. No matter the age of the adult, standards for body mass index apply equally to the general population. However, the NIH does make a concession within its standards for elderly adults. Although a BMI within the range of 18.5 to 24.9 is typically considered normal for an adult, the NIH recommends a BMI between 25 and 27 for older adults, specifically those age 65 and older. A BMI slightly higher than normal in this population is thought to be protective against osteoporosis.
Weight Based on Height for Children and Teenagers
Although weight and height are also used to categorize standards of health for children and teenagers, a different method is used to derive those standards. The CDC uses a specific height and weight chart that places the child or teenager into a specific percentile, which is based on the heights and weights of others who are the same age. There are separate charts for males versus females. Furthermore, the CDC uses the growth percentile to categorize a child or teenager regarding overall health. These standards correspond to BMI measurements. Those within the fifth percentile or less are considered underweight; those between the fifth percentile to less than the 85th percentile are considered a healthy weight; those between the 85th percentile to less than the 95th percentile are considered to be overweight; and those equal to or greater than the 95th percentile are considered obese. It is important to note that the percentage of body fat differs greatly between growing boys and growing girls, and even within the same sex, depending on the phase of growth.
Warning
The standards apply to the general population. However, these percentiles and categories do not take into account individual factors that may influence height, weight or body composition. Discuss your BMI and ideal body weight with your health care provider to determine the most appropriate standards for your personal health.
Member Comments