What Should I Weigh For My Age and Height?

The rate of growth and development varies from person to person. Each one of us has a different body composition (amounts of muscle, fat and bone). An athlete with a higher body mass index (BMI) (because he/she has extra muscle), will not be considered as overweight; but a person of the same age, height and weight may be considered overweight, because of too much body fat. There would be a significant difference in the 'fitness level' of the athlete and the another person. Thus, even though, both of them have the same weight, age and height, one is 'fit' and another is 'not fit'. So while answering the question 'what should I weigh for my age and height', I think, this aspect has to be taken into consideration.

These days, automatic weight-height calculators are available on the Internet, on a number of sites. You just need to type in your height, age, sex and your ideal weight will be displayed immediately. You can use these simple weight-height calculators or you may refer to the charts that describe ideal weight for height and age. But, at the same time, it is necessary to know that these calculators or tables are prepared by using actuarial tables or other statistics compiled from a large population group, to decide what weight corresponds to the highest probability for longevity and health. And it is quite possible that the population measured may not resemble you, and so the healthy weight goal offered to you could be inaccurate. To avoid this confusion and to clear all your doubts regarding the universal query 'am I overweight', here is some important information.

Body Composition

The best way to know the answer to the question 'what should I weigh for my age and height' is to measure body fat percentage, or the ratio of fat to lean muscle mass. Measuring body fat with calipers is the easiest way of measuring body fat percentage at home. You can yourself measure skin folds and body circumferences. Other common methods of measuring body composition include hydrostatic weighing and bio-electrical impedance (using electric current to measure lean body mass). Some of the less common methods of measuring body fat are measuring body fat with the help of X-rays, ultrasound or infrared radiation.

Ideal Body Fat Percentage

• Fit men have 14 to 17% body fat.
• Fit women have 21 to 24% body fat.
• Male athletes have 6 to 13% body fat.
• Female athletes have 14 to 20% body fat.

The ideal body fat percentage varies mainly according to age, sex and the physical activity of the individual. But it is a fact that some female athletes have body fat as low as 10 % and some male athletes had lower than 4 percent body fat. So, it can be observed that other than the above mentioned factors, genetic factors also influence the body-fat ratio. You can always measure body fat percentage with the help of a physician or with the help of a physical trainer from a health club. For those who do not have the time to visit a gym or to consult a doctor, calculating body mass index can be equally helpful.

Body Mass Index

You may use the following formula to calculate your BMI:

BMI (in Kg/m2) = (Weight in Kilograms) / (Height in Meters) x (Height in Meters)

BMI also compares an individual to a population group in order to predict health and life expectancy. Following conclusions can be derived after calculating the BMI:

BMI Calculated	Conclusion
BMI 18.5 to 25	Normal or optimal weight
BMI > 25	Overweight
BMI < 18.5	Underweight
BMI < 17.5	Extremely underweight
BMI = 30 or BMI > 30	Obese
BMI = 40 or BMI > 40	Morbid obesity

Accuracy of the conclusion will depend upon how well you match the population group, because age, sex, fitness level and ethnicity can affect weight to height ratios, independent of actual body composition. But as the question 'what is my ideal weight for my height and age' is disturbing you, the above method will surely help you know whether you are near to the upper range and whether there is a chance of being obese in the future. You can use a waist measurement chart and you can also calculate waist-hip ratio and measure your upper arm circumference. These figures can be compared with height, as these can serve as good additional indicators of body composition. A 'large waist' measurement indicates high body fat while a 'large bicep' may indicate high muscle mass.

Height and Weight Charts For Teens

At the onset of puberty, hormonal changes trigger physical changes like rapid muscle growth (especially in guys), spurts in height and weight gain in both boys and girls. Faster growth in kids can be noticed at the age 8 or sometimes not until age 14 or so. Genetic factors also determine your growth. So, it is perfectly normal for two kids of the same age to have different weights and heights. The following figures should be used as guidelines only.

Age Height Weight For Boys Age Average Height Average Weight in Inches in Pounds 12-13 years 58-62 85-100 14-15 years 63-66 105-125 16-17 years 67-70 130-150 18-20 years 68-70 150-160

Age Height Weight For Girls Age Average Height Average Weight in Inches in Pounds 12-13 years 60-63 95-105 14-15 years 63-64 105-115 16-17 years 64 115-120 18-20 years 64 125-130

Height and Weight Charts For Adults

Height Weight Chart: Men* Height Small Frame Medium Frame Large Frame 5'1" 123 134 145 5'2" 125 137 148 5'3" 127 139 151 5'4" 129 142 155 5'5" 131 145 159 5'6" 133 148 163 5'7" 135 151 167 5'8" 137 154 171 5'9" 139 157 175 5'10" 141 160 179 5'11" 144 164 183 6'0" 147 167 187 6'1" 150 171 192 6'2" 153 175 197 6'3" 157 179 202

Height Weight Chart: Women* Height Small Frame Medium Frame Large Frame 4'10" 100 115 131 4'11" 101 117 134 5'0" 103 120 137 5'1" 105 122 140 5'2" 108 125 144 5'3" 111 128 148 5'4" 114 133 152 5'5" 117 136 156 5'6" 120 140 160 5'7" 123 143 164 5'8" 126 146 167 5'9" 129 150 170 5'10" 132 153 173 5'11" 135 156 176 6'0" 138 159 179

^{* - Given weight is in Pounds}

Sometimes, hormonal imbalance and other related causes can lead to unexplained weight gain in women. So, before opting for a weight loss diet, men and women should consult their physicians for the correct diagnosis of weight gain. This will help avoid further health complications. At the same time, I would like to tell you that you should not become very obsessed with your height and weight because 'being healthy' is more important than anything else.