How Much Should I Weigh?

Weight is a tricky and sensitive issue: one that’s on everyone’s mind. Part of the weekly Monday morning ritual now is not just getting ready for work, but also one’s weight on a weighing scale. And as you do, you can’t help but wonder –  am I the right weight?

Well, to know that, you first and foremost need to know that there’s no proper definition of what constitutes the ideal weight of a person. You see, plenty of factors play a role in determining your ideal weight and there are several ways to calculate it too!

Each method uses a different technique to calculate your weight, taking into account widely varying factors such as waist and/or hip size, your frame size, height, etc. Some commonly used ways of measuring your weight include BMI or body mass index, body fat percentage, and waist-to-hip ratio.

However, the commonest and most widely accepted way of measuring one’s ideal weight is to take three major factors into account: your height, your gender, and your size. Although not the most accurate way of determining how much you should ideally weigh, it is still one of the most effective. This way of calculation gives you a good idea of how much you should weigh to look and feel fit and happy.

One of the good features of calculating your weight by taking your height, gender, and size into account is that it’s only meant for adults, so there’s no added complication of whether you’re still growing or not.

That said, you should know that this method of calculation does not make use of body fat and muscle percentage. It only serves as a rough estimate of what your weight should be. Hence, if you want to know your body fat and muscle percentage, it’ll be best to consult your trainer at the gym.

So, if you want to know how much you should ideally weigh, here are two weight charts – one each for each sex. Before consulting this weight chart though, keep in mind the weight of your clothes and shoes as a variable that can affect your outcome.

That being said, here’s the chart!

1. Ideal Weight Chart For Women

2. Ideal Weight Chart For Men

So, How Much Should You Ideally Weigh?

Now that you have a rough idea of the brackets your weight should fall into, knowing how much you should specifically weigh is the next step. The above weight chart is to be only used as an indicator of general health so that one can keep their weight within a healthy limit. However, if you truly want to know what your exact weight should be, you will have to look into certain other aspects as well.

Health professionals recommend you check your BMI every once in a while, to know if you’re on the right track as far as your weight is concerned. Moreover, you should also check your body fat percentage as it can give a good idea of whether your weight is actually ideal or unhealthy. This is because the above weight chart is unable to distinguish between fat and muscle. So, even if you appear to possess the ideal weight according to the chart, you may not actually be doing so if your body fat percentage is too high.

All in all, plain weight is not the best way to determine if you’re fit, healthy or even attractive for that matter. What’s required is a more holistic approach – one in which body fat and muscle percentage are also a part of the calculations. So, if you truly want to know the magic figure that’ll work best for you, you should ask your gym instructor.

Moreover, don’t be disheartened if you get an ideal weight number that is higher or lower than your friend’s. Everyone’s bodies are different. So, even if you and your friend are of the same height, your ideal weights can be different depending on factors such as bone density, body shape, muscle-to-fat ratio, etc. In the end, your target should always be to stay healthy and fit.

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