When people ask "what should I weigh?" the answer isn't a single number — it's a range. The World Health Organization defines that range using Body Mass Index (BMI): a healthy adult BMI falls between 18.5 and 24.9. Translate that formula to real pounds and kilograms at different heights, and the numbers become immediately practical.
The WHO-defined healthy BMI range for adults aged 18 and older. Below 18.5 is considered underweight; 25.0–29.9 is overweight; 30.0 and above meets the clinical threshold for obesity.
How Healthy Weight Ranges Are Calculated
BMI is derived from a straightforward formula: weight in kilograms divided by height in meters squared (kg/m²). The reverse calculation — "what weight corresponds to a BMI of 18.5 and 24.9 at my height?" — gives you your personal healthy range. The formula is the same regardless of age or sex for adults, though clinicians apply additional context when interpreting results for older adults, pregnant women, and highly muscular individuals.
The WHO adopted this framework in its Global Database on Body Mass Index as a standardized population-level screening tool. It remains the most widely used weight-for-height reference in clinical and public health settings worldwide, even as researchers continue to refine its predictive value for individual health outcomes.
Healthy Weight Range Chart — Imperial (lbs)
The table below shows the healthy weight range (BMI 18.5–24.9) for common adult heights in feet and inches.
| Height | Min Healthy (lbs) | Max Healthy (lbs) |
|---|---|---|
| 5′0″ (152 cm) | 95 | 128 |
| 5′2″ (157 cm) | 101 | 136 |
| 5′4″ (163 cm) | 108 | 145 |
| 5′6″ (168 cm) | 115 | 154 |
| 5′8″ (173 cm) | 122 | 164 |
| 5′10″ (178 cm) | 129 | 174 |
| 6′0″ (183 cm) | 136 | 184 |
| 6′2″ (188 cm) | 144 | 194 |
| 6′4″ (193 cm) | 152 | 204 |
Healthy Weight Range Chart — Metric (kg)
| Height | Min Healthy (kg) | Max Healthy (kg) |
|---|---|---|
| 150 cm | 41.6 | 56.0 |
| 155 cm | 44.4 | 59.8 |
| 160 cm | 47.4 | 63.7 |
| 165 cm | 50.3 | 67.7 |
| 170 cm | 53.5 | 72.0 |
| 175 cm | 56.7 | 76.3 |
| 180 cm | 59.9 | 80.7 |
| 185 cm | 63.3 | 85.2 |
| 190 cm | 66.8 | 89.9 |
Why Ranges Matter More Than Target Numbers
Notice that each height maps to a span of roughly 30–50 lbs (14–22 kg), not a fixed target. That range exists because healthy body composition varies significantly between individuals. Bone density, muscle mass, and natural fat distribution all differ — two people at the same height and weight can have meaningfully different metabolic profiles.
The WHO notes that while BMI correlates well with chronic disease risk at the population level, it is a screening tool rather than a diagnostic one. A single BMI reading should be interpreted alongside waist circumference, blood pressure, lipid panels, and fasting glucose — not treated as a standalone verdict on health.
Proportion of U.S. adults with obesity (BMI ≥ 30), according to CDC National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey data. The WHO projects that by 2030, more than 1 billion adults globally will have obesity — making healthy weight awareness more consequential than ever.
Factors That Affect Where You Fall in the Range
- Age: Older adults may carry slightly more fat at the same BMI than younger adults; some guidelines suggest the upper end of healthy BMI may be more appropriate for adults over 65.
- Ethnicity: The WHO and several Asian health authorities recommend lower BMI thresholds (overweight at ≥23, obesity at ≥27.5) for people of Asian descent, based on evidence of higher metabolic risk at lower BMI values.
- Muscle mass: Resistance-trained individuals often carry more lean mass, pushing their BMI toward or above the overweight range while maintaining excellent metabolic health. For these individuals, body fat percentage and waist circumference are more informative metrics.
- Sex: Women typically carry a higher percentage of body fat than men at the same BMI. This is physiologically normal and the WHO ranges account for this implicitly at the population level.
Get Your Personalized Calculation
The charts above cover common heights, but your precise healthy weight range depends on your exact height. Use the CheckBMI calculator to enter your height and weight and see your BMI, your healthy range, and how your current weight compares — instantly, with no account required.
A number on a chart is a starting point. If your weight falls outside the healthy range, that's information worth discussing with a healthcare provider — not a cause for alarm on its own. Context, trend, and clinical picture matter more than any single data point.