How to Determine the Correct Weight for Your Height
Realistic Self Image is Important.
Determining your healthy body weight range is important for your self esteem and self image because what we see on television and in the movies is not always realistic. It’s especially important to teach young girls the importance of having a healthy weight for their heights. More than 90 percent of those who have eating disorders are women between the ages of 12 and 25.
Body Mass Index.
The simplest way to determine the correct weight for your height is finding the body mass index. This equation uses your height and weight to determine your BMI range. To determine your BMI you can use an online calculator or you can use the following formula: your weight in pounds/(height in inches)2 X 703. So a 5'5” person who was 143 pounds would calculate as follows: 143/4225 X 703= 23.79.
Once you have your range you can determine where you stand. A BMI below 18.5 is underweight. 18.5-24.9 is a normal weight. 25-29.9 is considered overweight and any thing about 30 would be considered obese.
Other Ways to Determine Your Correct Weight for Height.
The body mass index is not 100% accurate because it does not take into account how muscular you are. There are other online calculators available that use your cholesterol levels, fitness levels, waist size, and body fat percentage to find out your your overall healthiness and the healthy weight range for your height. The most reliable way to determine if you are truly at a healthy weight for your height and your body is to ask your general care practitioner about your overall health.
Gaining, Maintaining, and Losing the Weight.
Once you have determined whether you are in a healthy weight range its time to gain, lose, or maintain that weight. Obviously maintaining a healthy weight is simplest and just requires you to participate in moderate daily exercise and healthy eating habits. If you need to gain weight its important that you speak with your doctor or a registered dietitian to create a healthy weight gaining plan. Some people may begin to over indulge in high-fat and high-sugar foods that can lead to health problems.
Similarly, its important for anyone trying to lose weight to do it in a healthy way. It may not be necessary to consult a doctor to create an eating plan, but make sure you take your time and lose the weight slowly. One or tow pounds a week is safe and healthy and will be easier for you to keep off once you reach your target weight. Try making small changes in your diet like cutting back on sugar or cutting back on fatty foods.
Sources:
Body Mass Index Calculator, https://www.nhlbisupport.com/bmi/
In Depth Healthy Weight Calculator, https://www.dietitian.com/calcbody.php
Eating Disorders, https://mentalhealth.samhsa.gov/publications/allpubs/ken98-0047/default.asp
