Really there is no such thing as an ideal weight for men. At best there is only a healthy weight range. According to doctors the healthy weight range for men is a Body Mass Index of between 19 and 24.9. With a larger frame and greater muscle-fat ratio, you should be in the upper part of the weight range. (See Fig 1. below) See also: Calorie Needs for Men
Ideal Weight for Men – Body Mass Index Gender Problem
The Body Mass Index does not distinguish between men and women. An alternative method of calculating an ideal/ healthy weight for men 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 Fig 2. below)
Ideal Weight = Healthy Weight Range = BMI 19-24.9
Fig 1. Weight Range – BMI 19-24.9
| Height (ft/inches) | Weight Range (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 |
| 6′ 1″ | 143-189 |
| 6′ 2″ | 147-194 |
| 6′ 3″ | 151-199 |
| 6′ 4″ | 155-204 |
Ideal Weight for Men Based on Body-Fat Percent
Fig 2. Ideal Weight for Men (University of Wisconsin)
| Height (ft/inches) | Ideal Weight (Pounds) |
| 5′ 0″ | 106 |
| 5′ 1″ | 112 |
| 5′ 2″ | 118 |
| 5′ 3″ | 124 |
| 5′ 4″ | 130 |
| 5′ 5″ | 136 |
| 5′ 6″ | 142 |
| 5′ 7″ | 148 |
| 5′ 8″ | 154 |
| 5′ 9″ | 160 |
| 5′ 10″ | 166 |
| 5′ 11″ | 172 |
| 6′ 0″ | 178 |
| 6′ 1″ | 184 |
| 6′ 2″ | 190 |
| 6′ 3″ | 196 |
| 6′ 4″ | 202 |
A Note on Ideal Weight and Body-Fat Percent
An accurate measurement of your body-fat percent can be performed by underwater weighing, skin-fold caliper, or bioelectrical impedance. Meanwhile, here are some guidelines.
Fig 3. Guidelines for Percent Body Fat
| Women | Men | |
| Normal | 15-25 percent | 10-20 percent |
| Overweight | 25.1-29.9 percent | 20.1-24.9 percent |
| Obese | Over 30 percent | Over 25 percent |
How to Get Closer to Your Ideal Weight
If you want to get closer to your ideal weight, follow the
Anne Collins Weight Loss Program.
