Determining the ideal weight for your height isn't a straightforward calculation, as various factors such as age, muscle mass, and body composition play a significant role. However, traditional weight calculators often use a formula based on height and gender as a starting point. Using the reference given, we can calculate the ideal body weight using the following method:
Calculating Ideal Body Weight
Traditional Formulas
The reference provided specifies the following traditional formulas to calculate ideal body weight:
- For Men: Ideal body weight (in kg) = 50 kg + 1.9 kg for every inch above 5 feet.
- For Women: Ideal body weight (in kg) = 49 kg + 1.7 kg for every inch above 5 feet.
Example Calculations
Let's illustrate these formulas with a couple of examples:
Example 1: Man at 5'10"
- First, convert the height to inches. 5 feet is 60 inches, so 5'10" is equal to 70 inches (60 + 10 inches).
- This means he is 10 inches above 5 feet (70-60 = 10 inches).
- Using the formula for men, we calculate: 50 kg + (10 inches * 1.9 kg/inch) = 50 kg + 19 kg = 69 kg
Example 2: Woman at 5'5"
- Convert height: 5 feet 5 inches is 65 inches (60 + 5 inches).
- She is 5 inches above 5 feet.
- Applying the formula for women: 49 kg + (5 inches * 1.7 kg/inch) = 49 kg + 8.5 kg = 57.5 kg
Table of Ideal Body Weights (Based on formulas)
| Height | Ideal Body Weight (Men) | Ideal Body Weight (Women) |
|---|---|---|
| 5'0" (60 inches) | 50 kg | 49 kg |
| 5'1" (61 inches) | 51.9 kg | 50.7 kg |
| 5'2" (62 inches) | 53.8 kg | 52.4 kg |
| 5'3" (63 inches) | 55.7 kg | 54.1 kg |
| 5'4" (64 inches) | 57.6 kg | 55.8 kg |
| 5'5" (65 inches) | 59.5 kg | 57.5 kg |
| 5'6" (66 inches) | 61.4 kg | 59.2 kg |
| 5'7" (67 inches) | 63.3 kg | 60.9 kg |
| 5'8" (68 inches) | 65.2 kg | 62.6 kg |
| 5'9" (69 inches) | 67.1 kg | 64.3 kg |
| 5'10" (70 inches) | 69 kg | 66 kg |
| 5'11" (71 inches) | 70.9 kg | 67.7 kg |
| 6'0" (72 inches) | 72.8 kg | 69.4 kg |
| 6'1" (73 inches) | 74.7 kg | 71.1 kg |
| 6'2" (74 inches) | 76.6 kg | 72.8 kg |
Please note that these are just ideal weight calculations. Health is more about a combination of lifestyle, diet and body composition than an ideal number.
Important Considerations
- Muscle Mass: These formulas don't account for muscle mass. Someone with more muscle may weigh more but be healthier than someone with less.
- Body Composition: The distribution of muscle, fat, and bone all affect the weight.
- Individual Variability: These are generalized formulas, and each person has a unique body and metabolic rate.
- Consultation: It’s best to consult a healthcare professional or registered dietitian for personalized advice.
