Being overweight can put your at risk for various health problems, such as diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure and stroke. According to the Mayo Clinic, obesity can cause conditions such as depression, gallbladder disease, infertility and certain cancers. It is important, therefore, to strive towards a healthy weight. Your ideal weight will depend on your height, body frame and the amount of muscle that you have. More important than the actual number on the scale is your overall level of health. While each person's ideal weight may differ, a weight that is healthy for your height and body type is a good goal to reach for.
Step 1
Measure how tall you are. Using this information, if you are a woman, start with 100 lbs., then add 5 lbs. for each inch that you are over 5 feet tall. For example, if you are 5 feet, 3 inches tall, your ideal weight is approximately 115 lbs. If you are a man, start with 106 lbs. and add 6 lbs. for each inch that you are over 5 feet tall. If you are 5 feet, 10 inches tall, then your ideal weight is about 166 lbs.
Step 2
Figure out your Body Mass Index, or BMI. Write down your current weight in pounds, and divide that by your height in inches. Multiply that quotient by 703. The resulting product is your BMI. Medical professionals suggest that you keep your BMI between 18.5 and 24.9.
Step 3
See a Body Mass Index Calculator on the Internet to double check or to figure your BMI. Two BMI calculators are listed in the Resources section.
Step 4
Ask your doctor for advice. He can take your overall body size, bone shape and muscle mass into consideration and suggest a healthy weight for your personal situation.
Tips and Warnings
- Before beginning a weight loss program, ask your physician for advice. She will be able to tell you how much weight you can safely lose per week, and should be able to recommend a diet and exercise program that is suited to your body and lifestyle.
Things You'll Need
- Calculator
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