Healthy Weight Calculator - Ideal Weight Range Calculator & BMI Weight Calculator
Free healthy weight calculator to calculate the range of healthy body weights based on BMI for your height. Given a specific height, the calculator uses standard algorithms to calculate the range of possible body weights that fall within different categories of weight determined by BMI. An adult aged 18 or older with a BMI between 18.5 and 25 kg/m² is typically defined as having a healthy or normal weight.
Last updated: October 19, 2025
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Healthy Weight Range
Healthy Weight Range
129 lbs - 174 lbs
Based on BMI range: 18.5 - 25 kg/m²
Underweight (BMI < 18.5)
< 129 lbs
Healthy Weight (BMI 18.5 - 25)
129 - 174 lbs
Overweight (BMI 25 - 30)
174 - 208 lbs
Obese (BMI > 30)
> 209 lbs
Important Notes:
- • Healthy weight is based on BMI estimates
- • Body composition (muscle vs. fat) is not accounted for
- • Consult a healthcare professional for personalized assessment
BMI Weight Categories
< 18.5
Associated with increased mortality, low energy, osteoporosis, weak immune system
18.5 - 25
Optimal range for most adults, associated with better health outcomes
25 - 30
Increased risk of diabetes, heart disease, and certain cancers
> 30
Significantly increased risk of cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and reduced life expectancy
Quick Example Result
For a person with height 5 feet 10 inches (70 inches):
Healthy Weight Range
129 lbs - 174 lbs
Based on BMI range: 18.5 - 25 kg/m²
How the Healthy Weight Calculator Works
The range of healthy body weights is calculated based on BMI (Body Mass Index). Given a specific height, the calculator uses standard algorithms to calculate the range of possible body weights that fall within different categories of weight determined by BMI. An adult aged 18 or older with a BMI between 18.5 and 25 kg/m² is typically defined as having a healthy or normal weight.
Healthy Weight Calculation Formula
Healthy Weight Min (kg) = 18.5 × Height² (m)Healthy Weight Max (kg) = 25 × Height² (m)The calculator determines the weight range that corresponds to BMI 18.5-25 kg/m² for your height. This range represents the healthy weight category according to World Health Organization standards.
Limitations of BMI-Based Healthy Weight
A "healthy body weight" is based on estimations that do not account for certain factors such as body composition. While accurate for an "average" person, this means that it is possible to be categorized as overweight or underweight and still be "healthy," but this requires more than a generalized calculation to determine – likely with the help of a medical professional.
BMI doesn't distinguish between muscle and fat mass. Athletes and bodybuilders with high muscle mass may be classified as overweight despite being healthy. Similarly, someone with a BMI in the healthy range but high body fat percentage may not be as healthy as the BMI suggests.
Effects of Being Underweight, Overweight, and Obese
Underweight (BMI < 18.5)
A person can be underweight as a result of genetics, lack of food, metabolic issues, use of drugs, or illness. Being underweight is associated with medical conditions including hyperthyroidism, cancer, or tuberculosis, and can be indicative of some underlying disease or disorder.
- Increased mortality rates comparable to morbid obesity
- Low energy levels or stamina
- Osteoporosis and weak immune system
- Malnutrition and development issues
- For women: absence of menstruation, infertility, pregnancy complications
Overweight (BMI 25-30)
Being overweight is typically a result of consuming more calories than the body expends. It's affected by factors including genetics, eating disorders, limited physical exercise, poor nutrition, and stress.
- Similar health issues as obesity, but to a lesser extent
- Increased risk of diabetes, heart disease, and certain cancers
- Some studies show lower mortality rates compared to healthy weight
- Mortality is not the sole indicator of health - disease risk matters
Obese (BMI > 30)
Obesity is typically caused by a lack of exercise, excessive food intake, and genetic susceptibility. It is mostly preventable through lifestyle and diet changes.
- Greatly increased risk of cardiovascular diseases (heart disease, stroke)
- Hypertension, type 2 diabetes, musculoskeletal disorders
- Some cancers, obstructive sleep apnea, depression
- Reduced life expectancy
- One of the leading preventable causes of death worldwide
Maintaining a Healthy Weight
Being underweight, overweight, or obese are conditions that lead to significantly different health complications. Managing these conditions however, involves addressing many similar underlying issues, including diet, exercise, and possible mental health disorders.
For Underweight Individuals:
- • Increase calorie intake through nutrient-rich foods (whole grains, vegetables, lean proteins, nuts)
- • Eat more frequently throughout the day
- • Engage in weight lifting to increase muscle mass
- • Address underlying causes such as eating disorders or medical conditions
- • Seek treatment for mental health disorders like anorexia or bulimia nervosa
For Overweight and Obese Individuals:
- • Limit intake of calorie-dense foods, total fats, and sugars
- • Increase consumption of fruits, vegetables, legumes, whole grains, and nuts
- • Engage in regular physical activity (150 minutes per week for adults, 60 minutes per day for children)
- • Manage stress and mental health
- • Get adequate sleep
- • Access to healthy lifestyle choices, education, and affordable healthier dietary options
Sources & References
- World Health Organization (WHO) - Obesity and overweightMedia Centre, Fact Sheet 311, June 2021
- Flegal KM, Graubard BI, Williamson DF, et al. - Excess Deaths Associated With Underweight, Overweight, and ObesityThe Journal of the American Medical Association, 2017
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) - About Adult BMIBMI categories and health implications
Need help with other health calculations? Check out our BMI calculator and ideal weight calculator.
Get Custom Calculator for Your PlatformHealthy Weight Calculator Examples
Input Values:
- Height: 5 feet 10 inches (70 inches)
- Height in meters: 1.778 m
Calculation Steps:
- Convert height to meters: 70 in × 0.0254 = 1.778 m
- Calculate min weight: 18.5 × 1.778² = 58.5 kg
- Calculate max weight: 25 × 1.778² = 79.0 kg
- Convert to pounds: 58.5 kg = 129 lbs, 79.0 kg = 174 lbs
- Healthy weight range: 129 - 174 lbs
Result: Healthy Weight Range = 129 lbs - 174 lbs
This corresponds to BMI range: 18.5 - 25 kg/m² (Healthy/Normal Weight)
Metric Example
Height: 180 cm (1.80 m)
Healthy Range: 60.0 - 81.0 kg
Shorter Height Example
Height: 5 feet (60 inches)
Healthy Range: 95 - 128 lbs
Frequently Asked Questions
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