How to Figure Correct Weight for Height

Correct weight for height is based on the Body Mass Index (BMI) that runs of a certain equation. It is a basic equation that gives an idea of how close your BMI is to a healthy BMI in order to help you achieve the correct weight for height.

Any weight loss system or exercise program should keep the correct weight for height range in view.

Instructions

• 1

  RECORD YOUR WEIGHT AND HEIGHT.

  Correct weight for height requires either metric or the pound system. This article covers both. Weight yourself naked, and then have someone measure your height without any shoes on, standing straight.

• 2

  APPLY THE FORMULA FOR BMI

  Guide your weight loss system or exercise program with this formula:

  Pounds/Inches system:
  weight (lb) / [height (in)]2 x 703
  Calculate BMI by dividing weight in pounds (lbs) by height in inches (in) squared and multiplying by a conversion factor of 703. So a 5' 10'' individual would be 70 inches. If they weighed 180 their formula reads as follows:

  180/(70)squared x 703 or
  180/4900 x 703 = 25.8

  The metric formula is:
  Weight (kg) / [height (m)]2

• 3

  MAKE ADJUSTMENTS FOR MUSCLE MASS.

  The weakness of the BMI scale for weight loss systems is that it doesn't take into account muscular bodies or muscular atrophy. If you have bulky muscle mass, subtract five to ten percent off of your BMI. If you have atrophied muscles, add five to ten percent to your final BMI.

• 4

  COMPARE YOUR BMI WITH THE STANDARDS.

  Below 18.5 = Underweight
  18.5 - 24.9= Normal weight
  25.0 - 29.9 = Overweight
  30.0+ = Obese

  ** See more hints and tips below on figuring correct weight for height.