How to Determine Ideal Weight

We live in a society that is fixated on weight. Weight gain, weight loss, weight management--you name it, people think about it. But seldom does anyone stop to ask themselves what their ideal weight actually is.

Unfortunately, there is no perfect chart that tells you exactly what you should weigh. Instead, you should consider various factors when determining your ideal weight in order to reach an appropriate number. This article will help you do that by accounting for things like your current height and bone construction.

Things You'll Need

• Measuring tape
• Pencil
• Calculator

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Instructions

• 1

  Before assessing your ideal weight, you must first know how tall you are. If you are by yourself, take off your shoes and stand against a wall. Arrange your feet together, flat on the floor. Place a pencil parallel to the floor across the top of your head and lightly make a mark on your wall. Measure the distance from the bottom of the floor to the mark with measuring tape. If you have a friend, she can do this for you.

• 2

  An important part of arriving at your ideal weight number is figuring out what kind of bone structure you have. Some people have smaller frames and therefore weigh less. Others have larger bones that, in turn, weigh more. Either situation should be accounted for. To determine the size of your bones---small, medium or large---use this test: Wrap your pointing finger and thumb around your wrist. If your fingers overlap, you have a small bone structure. If they do not touch, you have a large bone structure. If your fingers gently touch then your bone structure is considered normal size.

• 3

  Now that you have your height and bone structure you can begin to determine your ideal weight. Women: If you're 5 feet tall, your base ideal weight is 100 pounds. For each additional inch over 5 feet, add five pounds to that number. For example, if you are 5'2'', your base ideal weight is 110 pounds. Men: At 5 feet tall, your base ideal weight is 106 pounds. For each additional inch over 5 feet, add six pounds to that number.

• 4

  Let's factor in your bone construction. If you have small bones, subtract 10 percent from that base ideal weight. If you have large bones, add 10 percent to the base ideal weight. If you have average-sized bones, do not alter this number.

• 5

  Subtract eight pounds from your new number. Also add eight pounds to that number. This is a healthy weight range for your body.

• 6

  It is OK to take into account other factors when considering your ideal weight. For example, if you have very large breasts, then your ideal weight will probably adjust 2 to 5 pounds. Or, if you're a body builder, chances are these numbers do not apply to you. These are case-by-case scenarios and the best person to consult on this matter is your personal doctor.