What Is an Ideal Weight for a Man?

The ideal weight for a man varies greatly between individuals. Although there is no way to pinpoint the exact weight each man should maintain to achieve optimal health, several tests have been devised to come up with a range. The BMI, or body mass index, is one of the most well-known of these tests.

Body Mass Index

Body mass index is a test that uses both height and weight to come up with a number value that represents whether you're underweight, healthy, overweight or obese.

BMI Formula

To find your body mass index, multiply your weight in pounds by 703, divide this number of your height in inches and then divide this new number by your height in inches.

Underweight BMI

If your BMI comes out to 18.5 or less, you are considered underweight.

Healthy BMI

Healthy BMI ranges from 18.5 to 24.9.

Overweight BMI

If your BMI sits between 25 and 29.9, you are considered overweight. Any number above 29.9 is considered obese.

Considerations

While the body mass index is an effective way for the average population to obtain a healthy weight range, it is not accurate for everyone. BMI does not factor muscle mass into the equation, meaning that weightlifters may be listed as overweight when they're actually quite healthy.

References

Last updated on: Dec 22, 2009

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