What is considered a normal weight can vary from person to person. It also varies between men and women. In order to determine whether or not you are of a normal weight, there are several factors to consider. Your actual weight is among them, but other factors may allow you to fall within a normal weight range while still maintaining unhealthy levels of body fat. When comparing your weight to the normal range, take genetics and lifestyle into account as well as your overall appearance and fitness.
Ideal Weight for Men
The Metropolitan Height and Weight table lists the ideal weight for men as ranging from 144 to 180 lbs. This variance depends largely on frame size, but can range slightly outside of the ideal weight spectrum according to your muscle mass. If you are a professional body builder, athlete or simply an individual who engages is weight training, you may exceed this weight range without any significant fear of health concerns due to obesity.
Ideal Weight for Women
Women at this height may weigh between 132 and 173 lbs., depending on their frame size. As with men, a more muscular woman may exceed her ideal weight range slightly without concern for her health. A woman may experience additional variances within this range due to breast and hip size, which correlate to her level of body fat.
Waist Circumference and Frame Size
Body fat may collect in the belly and waist in men, leading to a concentration which increases overall weight. If a man's waist size exceeds 40 inches, he has cause for concern over his weight, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. A Woman whose waist exceeds 35 inches may also be overweight. If you fall within the normal weight ranges for someone of your height, yet your waist circumference is greater than average, consider your frame size as well. A woman with a small, thin frame should not exceed 145 pounds. A thin-framed man should weigh no more than 154 pounds. If you appear exceptionally thin, or have an emaciated look, yet you fall within the normal weight range, you may have a large frame and be underweight. Large-framed women should weigh 152 pounds or more. Larger men should not weigh less than 158 pounds.
Body Mass Index and Composition
Another way to determine whether or not your weight is ideal for your height is by measuring your body mass index, or BMI. For men, use a caliper to measure the pectoral, abdominal and thigh skin folds. In women, the supraliac, triceps and thigh skin folds are a good place to measure BMI. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, your BMI is considered normal between 18.5 and 24.9. You are overweight or obese if you exceed this range, and you are considered underweight if you fall below it.
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