Height Weight Chart

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.

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 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 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

Any time your weight affects your health in any way, see your physician. Use the height weight chart and the BMI chart as guides, but discuss any concerns with your doctor.