You must consider multiple factors when trying to find your ideal weight. A person who is the same height as you may have a different frame and therefore have a different ideal weight. Knowing your ideal weight is important for decreasing your risk of obesity-related health conditions, such as diabetes or heart disease.
Step 1
Determine your height and weight. Use measuring tape to determine your height. Jot it down for future reference. Weigh yourself on a scale. Jot your weight down as well.
Step 2
Determine your frame size. Men have a medium frame if their wrist measures 7 inches. Anything smaller is considered a small frame and anything higher is considered large.
Step 3
Determine your initial ideal weight calculation. A man who is five feet tall has an ideal weight of 106 pounds. For every inch taller than five feet, add six pounds. For every inch shorter than five feet, subtract six pounds. So, a man who is 5 feet 11 inches has an ideal weight of 172 pounds (6 x 11 + 106).
A woman who is five feet tall has an ideal weight of 100 pounds. For every inch taller than five feet, add five pounds. For every inch shorter, subtract 5 pounds. So a woman who is 4 feet 10 inches tall has an ideal weight of 90 pounds (100 -- 5 x 2).
Step 4
Subtract ten percent from your ideal weight if you have a small frame. A medium frame requires no adjustment to your ideal weight. So a man who is 5 feet 11 inches tall---ideal weight of 172 pounds---and has a small frame has an ideal weight of 155 pounds (172 -- 10 percent; or 172 - 17.2).
Women have a medium frame if your wrist measures six inches. Anything smaller is considered a small frame and anything higher is considered a large frame. Subtract ten percent from your ideal weight if you have a small frame. Add ten percent to your ideal weight if you have a large frame. So a woman who is 4 feet 10 inches tall---ideal weight of 90 pounds---with a large frame has an ideal weight of 99 pounds (90 + 10 percent; or 90 + 9).
Step 5
Calculate your BMI (body mass index) for a quicker, yet less accurate, calculation. The BMI divides your height and weight (weight in kilograms/height in meters squared). A BMI of 20 to 25 is healthy. A BMI lower than 20 is underweight, 25 to 29 is overweight, and 30 and above is considered obese.
Tips and Warnings
- BMI and ideal weight measurements are accurate for adults only.
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