What is a healthy weight?
For adults, a healthy weight is usually defined as one that gives a body mass index (BMI) from 18.5 to 24.9. The calculator turns that range into pounds or kilograms for your height and, if you enter your current weight, shows how far you are from it.
Example: at 5 ft 10 in, a healthy weight is 128.9 to 174.2 lb. Someone of that height who weighs 190 lb has a BMI of 27.3 and is about 15.8 lb above the range.
More than one number
BMI does not separate muscle from fat, so a muscular person can be above the range and still be healthy, and an older adult can be inside it with little muscle. Waist size is a useful second check: a waist under half your height is a good sign.
Reaching a healthy weight
- Aim for a slow change of 0.5 to 1 lb (0.25 to 0.5 kg) a week; it is easier to keep.
- Build meals around vegetables, protein and whole grains, and cut sugary drinks.
- Move every day and add strength training to keep muscle.
- Sleep well; short sleep makes hunger harder to control.
Frequently asked questions
Is the healthy range the same for men and women?
Yes. The adult BMI range is the same for both, though women usually carry more body fat at the same BMI.
Does it apply to children?
No. For children and teens, a healthy weight depends on age and sex and is read from growth charts.
Is the top of the range better for older adults?
Some studies find the lowest risk for people over 65 at a BMI of about 25 to 27. Talk to a doctor about your own target.