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Ideal weight

The ideal weight of an individual should incorporate a number of vital factors. The major aspect regarding body weight is the body composition of the person, that is to say how much of the body weight is body fat, and how much is lean body mass. Carrying excess body fat can lead to a number of health problems, with most sources stating a body fat level of between 10% and 20% for a male, with females upper limit being 30%. The frame of the person can also influence body weight. Below is a chart of bodyweight against height, which tracks the optimal BMI reading.

4’11 individual has an ideal weight of between 43kg and 56kg for a normal BMI reading
5’3 individual has an ideal weight of between 48kg and 64kg for a normal BMI reading
5’7 individual has an ideal weight of between 55kg and 72kg for a normal BMI reading
5’11 individual has an ideal weight of between 62kg and 81kg for a normal BMI reading
6’3 individual has an ideal weight of between 68kg and 90kg for a normal BMI reading
6’6 individual has an ideal weight of between 75kg and 100kg for a normal BMI reading

The BMI chart can be viewed to the left. Read more about BMI and healthy BMI in our other BMI blog entry. The BMI does have its limitations however, with the reading having no appreciation to body composition. Also, body weight does not give a clear indication of the health or fitness of a person. For a clear indication of health and fitness levels it would be advised to seek advice from a health professional.

Although the BMI readings do have limitations, the reading in useful at gauging an average bodyweight reading for a particular height, for the general population. If you have a bodyweight which results in a BMI reading of between 18.5 and 25 for your height, and have a body fat reading between the optimal percentage levels stated above, it would indicate your bodyweight is within an ideal range.

Ensuring resistance training, cardiovascular activities, and a healthy diet is implemented, body composition should become more optimal as body fat reaches a healthy level and functional lean body mass is increased.