How to Compare Height & Weight

The media seems to glorify tall, thin figures while simultaneously speaking against "fat phobia." These conflicting messages leave many confused as to what an ideal weight looks like, and whether they need to lose or gain weight to achieve greater health. Healthy weights vary depending on height and frame size. You can calculate your body mass index (BMI), calculate your frame size and look at a chart to find your healthy weight.

Things You'll Need

• Scale
• Measuring tape

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Instructions

• 1

  Take your shoes off and weigh yourself on a scale. If wearing clothes, subtract three pounds from the weight displayed. Write down your weight in pounds.

• 2

  Measure your height in feet and inches and write it down.

• 3

  Measure your frame size: hold your arm out and bend your elbow up at a 90-degree (right) angle. Turn your wrist toward your body and hold your fingers straight up. With your other hand, touch the two bones on opposite sides of your elbow with your thumb and index finger. Measure this distance in inches. Compare this measurement to the measurements on the Health Check Systems frame chart to determine whether you have a small, medium or large frame.

• 4

  Look at the weight chart on the Health Check Systems website. View the chart for your particular gender, and scroll down the vertical "height" column to find your height. Look under the column for your frame size to find your healthy weight in pounds.

• 5

  Calculate your BMI. The BMI is kg/m^2. One kilogram = 2.2 pounds. One meter is 39.37 inches. Divide your weight in pounds by 2.2 to find your weight in kilograms. Divide your height in inches by 39.37 to find your height in meters. Plug these two numbers into the BMI formula to find your BMI. A BMI between 17 and 22 is ideal for better health and longevity. A BMI 26 or higher is considered overweight, and is correlated with a shorter life span.