How to Figure Out How Much You Should Weigh

We are all born with unique qualities that make us individuals. Approximating your ideal weight opposes the theory of individualism in many degrees. While there is no one absolute way to calculate the ideal weight of every person, there is a system that you can use to give you a good estimate.

Instructions

• 1

  Measure your height. If you are a taller person, it will often mean you are allowed to weigh more. The opposite is true for those who are shorter. While this may seem biased, it is merely because your body doesn't have as much bone area to evenly spread weight throughout your body.

• 2

  Judge your bone structure type. Measure the circumference of your wrist to find out if you fall into the small, medium or large-frame category. The wrists of medium-framed men will measure seven inches in circumference. If they measure more than that, they are considered large-framed; the wrists of small-framed men will measure less than seven inches. The same is true for women, with six inches being the medium-framed circumference for a wrist measurement.

• 3

  Calculate your findings using ideal weights. Women who are exactly five feet tall, ideally weigh 100 pounds. Subtract five pounds for every inch under that measurement and add five pounds for every inch over. Men are to add or subtract six pounds for every inch over or under five feet, with a starting ideal weight of 106 pounds. As a woman or man, you should subtract ten percent of your ideal body weight if you possess a small-framed bone structure. Add ten percent if you have a large-framed bone structure for women or men. Medium-type bone structures should remain the same in weight.

• 4

  Take other factors into account. Your age and sex often play a role in how much you should weigh. Men will often weigh at the heavier end of the scale at the same age as women. You are often expected to weigh more as your age increases over the age of 18. Adults will often weigh more than children of the same height.

• 5

  Consider your body mass index. Another consideration you should take into account is how much body fat you possess. Finding this number out will ultimately give you a fuller picture of your current health. Healthy body fat percentages should range from 15 to 20 percent. Having too much body-fat can spell disaster for you health-wise in the near future, and places you at greater risk for a number of negative health conditions. Note the difference between a very muscular person and a relatively out-of-shape person who weighs the same amount. Lean muscle is far healthier if your body fat is within a healthy range.