Height Weight Ratio Chart

Today, the world population is suffering from so many health problems. Many of these problems are related to weight issues. An overweight, or obese person, has risk of type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, and other heart related ailments. An underweight person may have low immunity, reduced stamina, and a deficiency of nutrients in his body. So, weight control is very important. There are many ways to determine the ideal weight of a person. Among them are, waist to height ratio, and height to weight ratio. In children, along with the height weight ratio, head circumference is also considered. This article focuses on knowing your ideal height to weight ratio, also known as BMI, short for body mass index.

Calculating BMI

To calculate your BMI, or average height to weight ratio, use the following formula:

1. Multiply your weight in pounds, by 703. Let's call this x.
2. Measure your height in inches, let's call this y.
3. Now divide x by y².

This formula gives the correct weight for height. The height to weight ratio chart is based on the BMI. Given below, is the average BMI table. If you don't wish to calculate your BMI manually go to weight for height calculator.

Note:

• Athletes have a higher body mass index, as their muscle weight is more than their fat weight.
• To evaluate the health of children, it is important to take the head circumference into consideration, along with the height weight ratio. You can go through, height and weight chart for children to learn more.
• In the elderly, BMI can be slightly more than 25.

Understanding Height Weight Ratio Chart
Here are two charts showing the average height and weight ratio for men and women.

Men Height (Feet) Weight (Pounds) Small Frame Medium Frame Large Frame 5'2'' 128-134 131-141 138-150 5'3" 130-136 133-143 140-153 5'4" 132-138 135-145 142-156 5'5" 134-140 137-148 144-160 5'6" 136-142 139-151 146-164 5'7" 138-145 142-154 149-168 5'8" 140-148 145-157 152-172 5'9" 142-151 148-160 155-176 5'10" 144-154 151-163 158-180 5'11" 146-157 154-166 161-184 6'0" 149-160 157-170 164-188 6'1" 152-164 160-174 168-192 6'2" 155-168 164-178 172-197 6'3" 158-172 167-182 176-202 6'4" 162-176 171-187 181-207

Women Height (Feet) Weight (Pounds) Small Frame Medium Frame Large Frame 4'10" 102-111 109-121 118-131 4'11" 103-113 111-123 120-134 5'0" 104-115 113-126 122-137 5'1" 106-118 115-129 125-140 5'2" 108-121 118-132 128-143 5'3" 111-124 121-135 131-147 5'4" 114-127 124-138 134-151 5'5" 117-130 127-141 137-155 5'6" 120-133 130-144 140-159 5'7" 123-136 133-147 143-163 5'8" 126-139 136-150 146-167 5'9" 129-142 139-153 149-170 5'10" 132-145 142-156 152-173 5'11" 135-148 145-159 155-176 6'0" 138-151 148-162 158-179

Above charts are according to the Metropolitan Life Insurance Company tables revised in 1983.

Limitations of BMI & Height Weight Chart
BMI has many limitations. It doesn't give an accurate difference between the fat and lean muscle mass. It is based on the average figures found on population studies. Hence, it might not be perfect in case of athletes and other people who have a muscular build. Height weight based charts have certain limitations too. They are also based on population studies. Given above tables are by an insurance company. However, it is not true in case of every individual. Because, sometimes a person may be slightly overweight and still in perfect health, because that person may not have too much of fat in the body. Also, as muscle mass is higher than fat, athletes might not be in ideal weight range according to the height weight charts.

Ways to Measure Body Fat
As mentioned above BMI and height weight charts are not accurate and now there are many better ways to find the body fat of an individual. The most accurate method considered to find out body fat is the hydrostatic weighing. In this method the individual is connected to a scale with the help of an underwater chair. Prior to the test the subject is asked to exhale air as much as they can, and then the subject is completely immersed for few seconds underwater and measurements are taken. This is done couple of times to find the most accurate result. Apart from the hydrostatic weighing there are many other ways to check your body fat. There is skin fold test, there is bioelectrical impedance and girth measurement. Take a look at body composition, to learn more about these methods.

Tips to Stay Healthy
If according to the above height weight ratio chart you fall in the medium frame or have a normal BMI then you need to continue to have a balanced diet and exercise around 20 minutes a day. Those who are underweight need to increase their calorie intake by eating energy dense healthy foods. Mostly underweight people have a good metabolism which prevents them from putting on weight. To gain weight with a fast metabolism you will need to increase your diet and also build some muscle mass with strength training. Following a healthy and energy dense diet with strength training can help those who are underweight to increase their weight, energy levels and immunity. While those who are overweight need to follow a healthy weight loss to reduce the body fat. For this you should include more dietary fiber from fruits and vegetables in your diet and decrease the consumption of fatty and sugary foods. Also, workout of 45 minutes everyday is advisable.

This was the height weight ratio chart and about BMI. However, if you don't fall in the normal range, then get yourself checked with other appropriate methods to figure out the amount of body fat. This will give a better perspective and help you to achieve or maintain your ideal weight.