How Much Should You Weigh Based on Height?

How much should I weigh? What is a healthy weight for my body type? These are common questions raised by men and women alike, and for good reason.

What's Good for Some

• The truth is that everyone is built different, and an unhealthy weight for one person of a certain height might be a considered a healthy weight for someone of the same stature so long as they have a different body frame.

Body Mass Index

• The Body Mass Index (BMI) calculator is a method that factors in height, weight, sex and age into what the healthy weight for your body should be. For example, a female of 5'2" with a weight of 165 pounds would have a BMI of 30.2, and might be considered by some BMI calculators to be in the "Moderately Obese" category, while a woman of the same weight with a height of 5'9" would have a BMI of 24.4, and be of the "Normal" weight category. There are many free BMI calculators available on the Internet.

Overweight or Underweight

• Dieting should be about lifestyle, not a reason to obsess over calories.

  Many worry about being overweight and the health affects it can have on your body, but even those who are underweight are taking health risks with their body. Remember, proper diet and exercise is essential in maintaining a healthy weight, no matter what height you are.