What is the Ideal Body Weight for Women
There are several opinions of what constitutes an ideal weight for women. Here are two.
See also Calorie Needs for Women.
Ideal Weight for Women – Based on Body Mass Index
According to doctors an ideal weight would be inside the healthy weight range for women as defined by the Body Mass Index – i.e. a BMI between 19 and 24.9. (See Figure 1. below)
Figure 1. Ideal Weight Range for Women – Body Mass Index
| Height (ft/inches) |
Ideal Weight (Pounds) |
| 5′ 0″ | 97-127 |
| 5′ 1″ | 100-132 |
| 5′ 2″ | 103-136 |
| 5′ 3″ | 107-140 |
| 5′ 4″ | 110-145 |
| 5′ 5″ | 113-149 |
| 5′ 6″ | 117-154 |
| 5′ 7″ | 121-159 |
| 5′ 8″ | 124-164 |
| 5′ 9″ | 128-168 |
| 5′ 10″ | 132-173 |
| 5′ 11″ | 135-178 |
| 6′ 0″ | 139-183 |
Ideal Weight for Women – Based on Fat Percent
An alternative method of calculating an ideal/ healthy weight for women is to base it on fat percentage. The University of Wisconsin Medical School has developed an ideal weight chart which reflects a healthy body-fat percentage. (See Figure 2. below)
Figure 2. Ideal Weight for Women Based on Body-Fat Percent
| Height (ft/inches) |
Ideal Weight (Pounds) |
| 5′ 0″ | 100 |
| 5′ 1″ | 105 |
| 5′ 2″ | 110 |
| 5′ 3″ | 115 |
| 5′ 4″ | 120 |
| 5′ 5″ | 125 |
| 5′ 6″ | 130 |
| 5′ 7″ | 135 |
| 5′ 8″ | 140 |
| 5′ 9″ | 145 |
| 5′ 10″ | 150 |
| 5′ 11″ | 155 |
| 6′ 0″ | 160 |
A Note on Ideal Weight and Body-Fat Percent
You can have an exact measurement of your body-fat percent done by bioelectrical impedance, underwater weighing or skin-fold caliper.
Meanwhile, here are some general body-fat percent guidelines.
Fig 3. Guidelines for Percent Body Fat for Women
| Women | |
| Normal | 15-25 percent |
| Overweight | 25.1-29.9 percent |
| Obese | Over 30 percent |
How to Get Closer to Your Ideal Weight If you want to get closer to your ideal weight.
