Fitness for Women - Your Body's Ideal Weight

Your ideal body weight will depend on several factors such as your sex, height, and your overall body type (small, medium or large frame). Women often feel they are too heavy and so they diet unnecessarily. The many benefits you will see from maintaining your body at an ideal weight include more energy, weight control, and a reduced risk of chronic diseases like heart disease and diabetes.

Note: The material provided on this page is for information purposes only. It is not intended to replace your own physician's advice concerning your body's ideal weight.

The Body Mass Indicator

A number called the body mass indicator (BMI) is often used to determine whether a person is in the correct weight range. Just enter your weight and height in the following table and click 'Calculate BMI' to find your own BMI result.

Weight: lbs.
Height: Ft. In.
Your Body Mass Index is
According to the Panel on Energy, Obesity, and Body Weight Standards published by American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, your category is:
The BMI is just one part of  your fitness profile. Get a complete:  Online Fitness Analysis  - Free   from Global Health and Fitness.

 

---

BMI by itself tells you nothing about body composition or fat content. Muscle is proportionately heavier than fat, so some very muscular people could be classed as overweight using this BMI method.

Use the above BMI calculator and the chart below to give yourself an idea of which category you are in. If you have any concerns about your body weight it's a good idea to visit a qualified professional and get their advice.