Your Ideal Weight

The most accurate assessment of your ideal weight takes into account the composition of your body - how much of your weight is lean body mass (muscle and bone) and how much is body fat. For optimum health, body fat should be no more than 20% of total body weight for men and 30% for women.

Ideal Weight Table

The following table is a guide to a healthy weight range for each height and gender. The table does not take into consideration your age or your frame size. A person with a petite physique ought to aim for an ideal weight at the lower end of the range. A person of the same height but with a larger frame could quite satisfactorily weigh in at the top of the range.

Body Mass Index

An alternative way of gauging your weight is to calculate your Body Mass Index (BMI). To determine your BMI divide your weight in kilograms by your height in metres squared. The normal acceptable range of this measurement is 20.1 to 25.0 for men and 18.7 to 23.8 for women. The only exceptions are athletes and body builders, whose extra muscle may tip their BMI over the normal range.

BMI Calculator

Assessment of your BMI score

The following BMI assessment is provided by NHS Direct (UK)

• less than 18.5 you are underweight for your height.
• 18.5 to 24.9 you are an ideal weight for your height
• 25 to 29.9 you are over the ideal weight for your height
• 30 to 39.9 you are obese
• over 39.9 you are very obese

Free Calculator

Free Microsoft Excel spreadsheet that you can download and use on your computer. The spreadsheet will be opened in a new window.

• BMI Calculator
• Ideal Weight Calculator

	Body Building Revealed Everything you need to know about diet and nutrition, over 50 bodybuilding supplements reviewed, dozens of workouts, high intensity cardio and the mental edge are covered in Will Brink`s ultimate guide. Select this link for more information on "Body Building Revealed".
	Athletic Body System The majority of people would prefer the lean look of an athlete, and not only that, but it is also the look most people seem to find most attractive in the opposite sex. With the groundbreaking 'Athletic Body System' you will discover step-by-step how to build a physique with a level of muscularity and leanness that you never thought possible. Well it is now 100% possible and it is 100% Guaranteed! Select this link for more information on "Athletic Body System"
Click here for details of other available Books

Associated Pages

The following Sports Coach pages should be read in conjunction with this page:

• Body Fat
• Body Fat Percentage
• Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis (BIA)
• Fat Burning Zone
• Physiology Articles
• Physiology Literature Reviews

Associated Books

The following books provide more information related to this topic:

• Principles of Anatomy and Physiology, G.J. Tortora et al., ISBN 0 06 046704 5
• Strength Training Anatomy, F. Delavier, ISBN 0 7360 4185 0
• Atlas of Skeletal Muscles, R.J. Stone et al., ISBN 0 697 13790 2
• The Muscle Book, P. Blakey, ISBN 1 873017 00 6
• Advanced Studies in Physical Education and Sport, P Beashel et al., ISBN 0 17 4482345
• Physical Education and the Study of Sport, B. Davis et al., ISBN 0 7234 31752
• Essentials of Exercise Physiology, W.D. McArdle et al., ISBN 0 683 30507 7
• Physical Education and Sport Studies, D. Roscoe et al., ISBN 1 901424 20 0
• The World of Sport Examined, P. Beashel et al., ISBN 0 17 438719 9
• Advanced PE for Edexcel, F. Galligan et al., ISBN 0 435 50643 9
• Examining Physical Education, K. Bizley, ISBN 0 435 50660 9
• Sport and PE, K Wesson et al., ISBN 0 340 683821
• PE for you, J. Honeybourne, ISBN 0 7487 3277 2