Ideal Weight for Men

Ideal Weight For Men

The ideal weight for men as a subject is not as commonly heard as that of women’s. For men, carrying weight is felt in oneself and perceived in others – consciously or not – as projecting strength.

Your ideal body weight is where you are healthiest. Ideal weight is a medical term that refers to how much a person should weigh based on height, gender, and age. A person’s bone density, muscle mass, or fat proportion also need to be taken into account. The main approaches are measurements of the body mass index (BMI), waist circumference, and the waist-to-hip ratio (WHR). We normally associate WHR with women but sorry, boys - it applies to you, too.

Body mass index is a measure of body fat based on height and weight that applies to both adult men and women. The normal BMI for a person is from 18.5 to 25. Below 18.5 is underweight and above 25 is overweight. A BMI of 30 and above is considered obese. Several BMI calculators or charts can be found online to determine one’s body mass index.

Your waist circumference indicates how much fat is collected around your midsection. Fat around your middle is more dangerous than fat in other parts of the body. To measure your waist circumference, wrap a tape measure around your midsection just a little above your belly button. For men, the risk of heart disease and diabetes increases if their waist measurement is more than 40 inches (102cm). Men should strive for a waist size less than 37 inches.

To determine your WHR, measure your hip circumference at the level of the two bony prominences felt in the front of your hips. Then divide your waist circumference by your hip circumference. Men’s waist-to-hip ratio should be below 1.0.

Also, aim for a body fat percentage goal. An ideal body fat percentage for men would be 10% to 14%. According to the Body Fat Rating Scale, for men having 6%-10% body fat is Exceptionally Lean; 11%-14% is Very Lean; 15%-18% is Lean; 19%-24% is Moderate; and 25% or over is Overfat. Men are considered borderline at 25% body fat and clinically obese at 30%.

All these factors should be considered to determine the ideal weight for men.

All information on this webpage is for informational purposes only. It is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any health problem – nor is it intended to replace the advice of a qualified medical practitioner, health practitioner, or fitness professional. No action should be taken solely on the contents of this website. Always consult your physician or qualified health professional on any matters regarding your health or on any opinions expressed within this website.