WHAT'S A HEALTHY WEIGHT?

Guy Leahy

"How much should I weigh"? There is no hard and fast rule regarding body weight. What a "healthy" weight is for one person may not be healthy for another. Genetics, gender, exercise and environment all play a role. In general, a "healthy" weight is one which:

• Is easily maintained with a reasonable amount of exercise
• Results from eating a healthy diet, with an emphasis on complex carbohydates, fruits and vegetables
• Does not result in an increase in disease risk factors (high cholesterol or hypertension, for example)

Though there is no one "healthy" weight for everyone, there are some general guidelines. These weight guidelines are based on the relationship between weight and height, known as Body Mass Index. All things being equal, a higher Body Mass Index (BMI) results in an increased risk of developing heart disease. Below are some suggested "healthy" weights for adults.

                                 Height                                                  Weight (pounds) 

                                 4'10"                                                          91-119
                                 4'11"                                                          94-124
                                 5'0"                                                            97-128
                                 5'1"                                                          101-132
                                 5'2"                                                          104-137
                                 5'3"                                                          107-141
                                 5'4"                                                          111-146
                                 5'5"                                                          114-150
                                 5'6"                                                          118-155
                                 5'7"                                                          121-160
                                 5'8"                                                          125-164
                                 5'9"                                                          129-169
                                 5'10"                                                        132-174
                                 5'11"                                                        136-179
                                 6'0"                                                          140-184
                                 6'1"                                                          144-189
                                 6'2"                                                          148-195
                                 6'3"                                                          152-200
                                 6'4"                                                          156-205
                                 6'5"                                                          160-211
                                 6'6"                                                          164-216

Data are from the Department of Agriculture and Department of Human Services. The above weights represent a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 19-25 kg/m2. These measurements are for subjects without shoes for height and unclothed when measuring weight. Table Adapted from Willett WC, Dietz WH & Colditz GA (1999), Guidelines for healthy weight. New England Journal of Medicine, 341 (6), pages 427-434.

Does this mean that if you're outside these weight guidelines, you need to lose weight? Not necessarily. Athletes who are highly muscular, such at football players or bodybuilders, wouldn't fit the above guidelines, but their % body fat might be < 10% and their cholesterol, blood pressure and blood sugar might be perfectly normal. If you exercise on a regular basis, eat healthy, don't smoke and have no risk factors, chances are your current weight is a "healthy" one for you! If you would like some information on how to lose weight in a healthy way, please contact the Health & Fitness Lab at 745-6531.