ideal weight : Ideal Weight for Men

What is the Ideal Body Weight for Men
Really there is no such thing as an ideal weight for men. At best there is only a healthy weight range. According to doctors the healthy weight range for men is a Body Mass Index of between 19 and 24.9. With a larger frame and greater muscle-fat ratio, you should be in the upper part of the weight range. (See Fig 1. below) See also: Calorie Needs for Men

Ideal Weight for Men - Body Mass Index Gender Problem
The Body Mass Index does not distinguish between men and women. An alternative method of calculating an ideal/ healthy weight for men is to base it on fat percentage. The University of Wisconsin Medical School has developed an ideal weight chart which reflects a healthy body-fat percentage. (See Fig 2. below)

Ideal Weight = Healthy Weight Range = BMI 19-24.9
Fig 1. Weight Range - BMI 19-24.9
Height
(ft/inches) Weight Range
(Pounds)
5' 0" 97-127
5' 1" 100-132
5' 2" 103-136
5' 3" 107-140
5' 4" 110-145
5' 5" 113-149
5' 6" 117-154
5' 7" 121-159
5' 8" 124-164
5' 9" 128-168
5' 10" 132-173
5' 11" 135-178
6' 0" 139-183
6' 1" 143-189
6' 2" 147-194
6' 3" 151-199
6' 4" 155-204

Ideal Weight for Men Based on Body-Fat Percent

Fig 2. Ideal Weight for Men (University of Wisconsin)
Height
(ft/inches) Ideal Weight
(Pounds)
5' 0" 106
5' 1" 112
5' 2" 118
5' 3" 124
5' 4" 130
5' 5" 136
5' 6" 142
5' 7" 148
5' 8" 154
5' 9" 160
5' 10" 166
5' 11" 172
6' 0" 178
6' 1" 184
6' 2" 190
6' 3" 196
6' 4" 202

A Note on Ideal Weight and Body-Fat Percent
An accurate measurement of your body-fat percent can be performed by underwater weighing, skin-fold caliper, or bioelectrical impedance. Meanwhile, here are some guidelines.

Fig 3. Guidelines for Percent Body Fat
Women Men
Normal 15-25 percent 10-20 percent
Overweight 25.1-29.9 percent 20.1-24.9 percent
Obese Over 30 percent Over 25 percent
© 2000-2005 Anne Collins. All rights reserved.