Your ideal BMI weight for height and age is a complex matter, influenced by factors such as genetics, gender, activity level, and body composition. While the Body Mass Index (BMI) is commonly used as a preliminary method to estimate healthy weight, it is not the only indicator and does not fully reflect your overall health.
1. Body Mass Index (BMI)
BMI is a popular tool for assessing weight status, also known as BMI weight.
BMI Calculation Formula: BMI = Weight (kg) ÷ Height (cm)
BMI Classification for Adults:
- Below 18.5: Underweight
- 18.5 – 24.9: Normal weight
- 25 – 29.9: Overweight
- 30 – 34.9: Obesity Class I
- 35 – 39.9: Obesity Class II
- Above 40: Obesity Class III
| Height (cm) | Normal Weight (BMI 19-24) | Overweight (BMI 25-29) | Obesity (BMI 30-39) |
| 147 cm | 41 – 54 kg | 55 – 64 kg | 65 – 84 kg |
| 150 cm | 43 – 56 kg | 57 – 67 kg | 68 – 87 kg |
| 152 cm | 44 – 58 kg | 59 – 68 kg | 69 – 89 kg |
| 155 cm | 45 – 60 kg | 61 – 70 kg | 71 – 91 kg |
| 157 cm | 47 – 62 kg | 63 – 72 kg | 73 – 93 kg |
| 160 cm | 48 – 63 kg | 64 – 74 kg | 75 – 95 kg |
| 163 cm | 50 – 65 kg | 66 – 76 kg | 77 – 97 kg |
| 165 cm | 52 – 67 kg | 68 – 78 kg | 79 – 99 kg |
| 168 cm | 54 – 68 kg | 70 – 80 kg | 81 – 102 kg |
| 170 cm | 55 – 70 kg | 71 – 82 kg | 83 – 105 kg |
| 173 cm | 57 – 72 kg | 73 – 84 kg | 85 – 107 kg |
| 175 cm | 58 – 74 kg | 74 – 86 kg | 86 – 110 kg |
| 178 cm | 60 – 76 kg | 76 – 88 kg | 88 – 113 kg |
| 180 cm | 62 – 78 kg | 78 – 90 kg | 90 – 116 kg |
| 183 cm | 64 – 80 kg | 80 – 93 kg | 92 – 119 kg |
| 185 cm | 65 – 82 kg | 81 – 95 kg | 94 – 121 kg |
| 188 cm | 67 – 84 kg | 83 – 97 kg | 96 – 124 kg |
| 191 cm | 69 – 87 kg | 85 – 100 kg | 98 – 127 kg |
| 193 cm | 70 – 89 kg | 86 – 102 kg | 99 – 129 kg |
Note:
- BMI is a reference tool and does not fully reflect your health status. If you’re concerned about your weight or health, consult a doctor or nutrition expert for accurate advice.
- For adults, age is not considered in BMI, but for children (ages 2 to 19), BMI is calculated based on both age and gender. The CDC provides a BMI tool for children, allowing comparisons with peers of the same age.
BMI is a basic measure and does not account for:
- Waist or hip measurements
- Body fat percentage
- Muscle mass ratios…
This index can lead to misdiagnosis if used in isolation.
2. BMI Guide by Height and Age
Below is a summarized chart for ideal weight according to height and BMI to help with quick reference. This chart provides the ideal weight range based on BMI for height and age from 19 to 24 for adults.
| Height | Ideal Weight |
| 147 cm | 41–52 kg |
| 150 cm | 43–54 kg |
| 155 cm | 44–56 kg |
| 157 cm | 45–58 kg |
| 160 cm | 47–60 kg |
| 163 cm | 48–61 kg |
| 165 cm | 50–63 kg |
| 168 cm | 52–65 kg |
| 170 cm | 54–67 kg |
| 173 cm | 55–69 kg |
| 175 cm | 57–72 kg |
| 178 cm | 58–74 kg |
| 180 cm | 60–76 kg |
| 183 cm | 62–78 kg |
| 185 cm | 65–82 kg |
| 188 cm | 67–84 kg |
| 191 cm | 69–87 kg |
Note: Ideal weight can vary depending on factors such as muscle mass, body structure, and overall health. This chart is for reference only and does not replace medical advice.
3. Waist-Hip Ratio (WHR)
The waist-hip ratio (WHR) is the ratio of your waist measurement to your hip measurement. It is used to assess fat distribution in the body, particularly the risk of heart disease and diabetes.
WHR is calculated by dividing the waist circumference (cm) by the hip circumference (cm): WHR = Waist / Hip
A healthy WHR is under 0.95 for men and under 0.85 for women.
4. Waist-to-Height Ratio (WHtR)
Waist-to-height ratio (WHtR) is an easy-to-calculate index that indicates the risk of abdominal obesity. The ratio is calculated by dividing your waist circumference by your height. A ratio greater than 0.5 may indicate a higher health risk.
5. Body Fat Percentage
Measuring body fat percentage can provide more detailed information about overall health. Methods include bioelectrical impedance scales, DEXA scans, and skinfold calipers.
Body fat percentage is the proportion of fat relative to total body weight.
- For men: Ideal 10-15%, Normal 15-20%, Above 25% is considered excessive fat.
- For women: Ideal 15-20%, Normal 20-30%, Above 35% is considered excessive fat.
Ideal weight is not only determined by height, but also depends on several personal factors. Understanding these factors will help you gain a better overall perspective on your health and weight. Remember that a healthy diet and an active lifestyle are the keys to sustainable health.
There is no one perfect index for determining ideal weight for everyone. To get an accurate and comprehensive view of your health, consult a doctor or nutrition expert.
Taking care of your health is not only the responsibility of the healthcare system but also of each individual. In modern society, the pressures of work and life are increasing, and it is more important than ever to proactively monitor and maintain your health.
Many people tend to overlook small symptoms, assuming they are not serious. However, this can lead to bigger issues if not detected and treated early. One of the first steps is to recognize any unusual signs. If you experience prolonged fatigue, insomnia, or any other strange symptoms, don’t hesitate to investigate them.
Seeking appropriate solutions and early treatment will not only help you recover your health but also prevent more serious issues from arising in the future.
Taking care of your health early is an effective method to strengthen immunity and improve your quality of life. Instead of waiting for health to decline, take preventive measures such as maintaining a healthy diet, exercising regularly, and having regular health check-ups. These habits not only keep your body healthy but also keep your mind sharp.
References: Healthline.com, Emedicinehealth.com, Medicalnewstoday.com
Join the Club
Like this story? You’ll love our monthly newsletter.
Thank you for subscribing to the newsletter.
Oops. Something went wrong. Please try again later.
Lương Thị Bích Trâm
On writing, I bring specialized and reliable knowledge to a broader audience, helping people further understand health issues. From there, the community will make the right decisions for themselves and their families. Driven by a passion for writing, I always strive to convey complex knowledge in the most understandable way so that everyone can protect and enhance their health.
The mission of people working in the field of Medicine and Pharmacy does not stop at treating diseases, but also raising awareness and protecting public health. Every article I write stems from dedication and a desire to help people better understand their bodies, suggest advanced treatment methods, and effective ways to prevent diseases. I always prioritize credibility and expertise, so that every word brings real value to the reader.
