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, follow the
