1. BMI Leads the Way
The Body Mass Index defines the categories in a healthy weight chart. Doctors and health practitioners accept BMI as an international method to measure obesity. To find your BMI, divide your weight by your height squared and multiply by 703. Written out, the formula looks like this: [(weight)/(height in inches)(height in inches)] x 703. Some bar charts show the height and weight and allow you to follow the lines to find your BMI. Usually this type of chart is color-coordinated to indicate overweight, normal and underweight sections on the chart.
2. The Battle of the Sexes Continues
Like it or not, women's bodies vary from men's. To that affect, weight charts separate groups based on sex. On average, men weigh more and are taller than women. According to studies, men's energy levels exceed women's, which results in more calories burned. Also, men's bodies store fat differently than women's. In addition to storing fat differently, women's bodies need more fat to function on a daily basis. Research indicates women need a minimum of 10 to 12 percent body fat, whereas men need a body fat percentage of only 2 to 4.
3. Frame Size Matters
Some weight charts divide healthy weight based on frame size. Frame size refers to the structure and weight of your bones. People with large frames naturally weigh more than people with small frames. How do you find out if you have a small, medium or large frame? Measure the circumference of your wrist. In women 5 feet 2 inches tall to 5 feet 5 inches tall, a small frame measures less than 6 inches around the wrist, a medium frame measures 6 to 6 1/4 inches and a large frame measures over 6 1/4 inches. For men over 5 feet 5 inches, a small-frame wrist measures 5 1/2 to 6 1/2 inches, a medium frame measures 6 1/2 inches to 7 1/2 inches and a large measures over 7 1/2 inches.
4. Age Is Relevant
As you age, you can cut calories and still gain weight. This happens when metabolism slows down and when you decrease your level of exercise. Knee problems or arthritis may prevent you from doing the rigorous activities you enjoyed as a youth. At the opposite end of the spectrum, young children require a different weight chart than adults. During the growth process, children grow at different rates. Pediatricians track growth based on percentile for children between the ages of 2 and 20. To get an accurate portrayal of the percentile, doctors measure and record on an annual basis.
5. Keep Weight in Perspective
There's only so much calculations can do when it comes to determining your ideal weight. For example, a muscular person may weigh more because muscle weighs more than fat. While a healthy weight chart categorizes this person as being overweight, they aren't fat or obese. Other factors like water retention and genetics affect the ideal weight for a person. To get the most benefit from a healthy weight chart, use it as a tool, not a judge.
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