The primary method for gauging a person's optimal weight-to-height ratio is body mass index. A person's BMI is calculated by dividing his weight in kilograms by his height in meters squared. While not foolproof, this method has been used for decades to classify overweight and obese individuals and is frequently employed by doctors and insurance companies when determining weight-loss strategies.
BMI Basics
An individual is considered normal if his BMI is rated between 18.5 and 24.9. Individuals with BMIs of 25 to 29.9 are considered overweight, while those whose BMIs are 30 or above are classified as obese. While helpful for most people, the BMI formula can be deceptive when it comes to overestimating body fat in athletes with muscular builds or underestimating body fat in older people.
Average Heights to Weights
A height-to-weight ratio chart uses the BMI formula to produce a "target body weight" for different heights among men and women. A woman who is 5 feet, 6 inches has a target body weight of 140 lbs. A man at 5 feet, 6 inches has a target body weight of 148 lbs. According to a study performed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the average height and weight of American men is 5 feet, 9 inches and 191 lbs. and 5 feet, 4 inches and 164 lbs. for American women.
Calculating Your BMI
The formula for determining your BMI has remained unchanged for a number of decades and can be performed with the help of a tape measure and scale. Begin the formula by transferring your body weight into kilograms using the equation of .453 kg per pound. Calculate your height in meters and divide your body weight by your height squared to receive your BMI. For example: a 150-lb. man weighs 67.95 kg and is 65 inches tall, or 1.651 m. Further, 1.651 m squared is 2.725 m, and 67.95 divided by 2.725 is 24.9, which is right on the edge of being "overweight" by BMI standards.
Considerations and Health
The higher your BMI, the higher your risk of certain diseases such as high blood pressure, heart disease, type 2 diabetes, gallstones, breathing problems and cancer. If you are concerned about your BMI results, contact your doctor or personal physician and research the methods in which you can begin a weight-loss strategy that lowers your BMI back to the normal height-to-weight ratio.
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