Being at a healthy weight helps you thrive and prevents consequences caused by being overweight or underweight. Body mass index (BMI) is the most widely used method of finding an ideal weight.
Calculate BMI
To find your BMI, you can use an online BMI calculator or do it by hand. Multiply your weight in pounds by 703, then divide that number by your height in inches. Take the result and divide again by your height in inches.
Healthy BMI Results
A normal BMI will fall between 18.5 and 24.9. Below 18.5 is considered underweight, while above 24.9 is considered overweight.
Weight Range: Low End
To get the lower end of the range, work the formula backward: for the lower end of the range, divide 18.5 by 703, then multiply that by the square of your height. So for a 5'9" tall man (69 inches), the lower end of a healthy weight would be 18.5/703 x 4761, or 125 pounds.
Weight Range: High End
For the high end, substitute the highest healthy BMI, 24.9. So for a 5'9" tall man (69 inches), the higher end of a healthy weight would be 24.9/703 x 4761, or 169 pounds.
When BMI Isn't Ideal
Very muscular athletes may have a higher BMI than normal because muscle weighs more than fat.
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