How to Find an Ideal Weight

Millions of people struggle with their weight. There are a plethora of reasons to maintain a healthy weight, ranging from self esteem to longevity. While today's culture idealizes extremely thin figures, it's important to focus on a healthy ideal weight. Your ideal weight is one that you can maintain long term and suitable for your individual specifications. Ideal weights are based on body max index or BMI scales. It's quite simple to find your ideal weight.

Instructions

• 1

  Determine your height. In order to ascertain your ideal weight, you must know how tall you are. Enlist the help of a friend to measure your height accurately. Make sure your barefoot feet are flat against the floor and you stand up straight while you are being measured.

• 2

  Assess your bone structure. Bone structure can vary greatly from person to person. Those with smaller bone structures generally weigh less, whereas those with larger bone structures weigh more. Wrap one hand around the opposite wrist. If your thumb and fingers overlap, you have small bone structure. If they barely touch, your bone structure is normal. If they do not touch, you have large bone structure.

• 3

  Consult an ideal weight chart. Such charts list weight ranges according to heights. They also feature variations for men and women. Generally, the base ideal weight for women at 5 feet tall is 100 pounds. You then add 5 pounds for each inch over 5 feet that you are. For men, the base ideal weight at 5 feet tall is 106 pounds. Add 6 pounds for each inch over 5 feet tall you are.

• 4

  Take your bone structure into the equation. If you have a small bone structure, subtract 10 percent from your calculated ideal weight. If you have a large bone structure, add 10 percent to your ideal weight. For a normal bone structure, you do not need to alter your ideal weight number.

• 5

  Find your ideal weight range. Subtract eight pounds from your calculated number. Also, add eight pounds to the same calculated number. You now have an ideal weight range.

• 6

  Be aware that there are exceptions to general ideal weights. Since ideal weight calculations do not take fat to muscle ratios into account, you must consider your overall fitness level when finding your ideal weight. If you are an athlete or body builder with substantial muscle, your ideal weight will likely be higher than the standard range for your height and bone structure.