The following height weight chart has become a standard for many people. It is the table that was created by the Met Life Insurance Company in the early 1940s to assess health risk factors. People began to adopt the height weight chart as a tool to determine their ideal weight. The latest revision was done in 1983.
While the height weight chart is useful as a general guide, it is by no means a one size fits all way to determine what you should weigh. There are many different formulas that have evolved from this chart; many are used by clinicians to determine what is now referred to as a healthy weight range.
How to Determine a Healthy Weight
The main factor in determining a healthy weight for a person is generally based on an individuals BMI (Body Mass Index). You can find out your BMI with our easy to use BMI chart. When trying to determine what you should weigh, the best resource is your doctor. Always consult a physician before starting any diet or exercise program.
Your doctor will determine if you need to lose or gain weight based on a few things. Some of the things that may cause concern for you and your doctor are:
- You have a BMI of 30 or higher.
- You have a BMI of 25 or higher but have an existing health condition that is associated with or made worse by being overweight.
- You have an existing cardiovascular disease or have two or more heart disease risk factors, and have a BMI of 25 or higher.
- Your waist circumference is greater than 35 inches if you are a woman, or 40 inches if you are a man, and you have an existing cardiovascular disease, another health condition that is associated or made worse by being overweight, or if you have two or more heart disease risk factors.
- Your BMI is less than 18.5.
Any time your weight affects your health in any way, see your physician. Use this height weight chart and the BMI chart as guides, but discuss any concerns with your doctor.
Height Weight Chart for Women
| Height Feet/Inches | Small Frame | Medium Frame | Large Frame |
| 4′ 10″ | 102-111 | 109-121 | 118-131 |
| 4′ 11″ | 103-113 | 111-123 | 120-134 |
| 5′ 0″ | 104-115 | 113-126 | 122-137 |
| 5′ 1″ | 106-118 | 115-129 | 125-140 |
| 5′ 2″ | 108-121 | 118-132 | 128-143 |
| 5′ 3″ | 111-124 | 121-135 | 131-147 |
| 5′ 4″ | 114-127 | 124-138 | 134-151 |
| 5′ 5″ | 117-130 | 127-141 | 137-155 |
| 5′ 6″ | 120-133 | 130-144 | 140-159 |
| 5′ 7″ | 123-136 | 133-147 | 143-163 |
| 5′ 8″ | 126-139 | 136-150 | 146-167 |
| 5′ 9″ | 129-142 | 139-153 | 149-170 |
| 5′ 10″ | 132-145 | 142-156 | 152-173 |
| 5′ 11″ | 135-148 | 145-159 | 155-176 |
| 6′ 0″ | 138-151 | 148-162 | 158-179 |
Weights are for women at ages 25-59 based on lowest mortality. Weight in pounds according to frame (in indoor clothing weighing 3 lbs.; shoes with 1″ heels) | |||
Chart Source: Metropolitan Life Insurance Company
Steps to Take to Lose Weight
If your doctor determines that you need to lose weight, there are several things you can do to try to make that a reality. Losing weight when told to by a doctor is necessary for a healthy life. Obesity can raise your risk for a number of health problems, including diabetes and heart disease.
First, a simple step to take is to eat more fruits and vegetables. These foods are packed with necessary nutrients to keep you healthy. By eating fruits and vegetables, you can help keep yourself full so you'll feel less tempted to snack later on.
Second, you'll need to make adjustments to the foods you eat. You don't need to give up your favorite foods, but you do need to adjust them. Substitute ingredients in your favorite recipes for ones that are lower in calories and saturated fat. For example, use low-fat cheese instead of regular cheese. By making these changes, you'll be turning your favorite recipes into healthier versions that are good for a diet.
Third, you'll want to start exercising. Talk to your doctor about what a healthy exercise regimen looks like for you. Meet with a professional fitness coach, if desired, to put a plan in action. Remember to only do the exercises that you're capable of safely doing. Performing exercises that you can't do can lead to injury.
Make sure you watch out for the warning signs of an eating disorder. Eating disorders are a problem for people of any age and gender. There's a long-held myth that only teenaged girls get eating disorders, but this is absolutely not the case. If you start to notice any signs of an eating disorder in yourself, talk to your doctor or to a mental health professional as soon as possible.