Healthy average weight?

[creampuffwar]

My weight has been all over the place in the past year or two.

Around the time I was 18 I was too skinny, because of the drugs I was doing. Then I went on the pill and I overate because I wanted to gain weight. I gained a little too much. Too much to feel good about myself anyway. So I'd like to work it off and get to a healthier weight.

My question is, I'm 20 years old and about 5'4, just under 140 lb, if I'm looking for a healthy average weight (and want to keep some meat on my bones) what should I be aiming for?

 

[n3ophy7e]

It really depends hun., it's a very individual thing. I found this chart which explains it quite well but you really need to keep in mind that ALL charts like this should be considered loosely, and that you need to formulate your diet/exercise plan specifically for your own body shape/type etc, preferably with the help of a professional.

But like I said, take it with a grain of salt because when I was anorexic and basically a bag of bones, I was 66kg, and I'm 5'10". So that placed me pretty much in the middle of the ideal weight range, but I was definitely underweight for my body type. It depends on your muscle mass and bone density and all sorts of other things as well.

So as a general rule, it's better to focus on your inner health rather than just your weight. Eat healthy food, drink lots of water, and exercise regularly

 

[Sweet P]

The Body Mass Index (BMI) is often used to calculate someone's weight in relation to an ideal healthy weight, although it's not completely reliable because it doesn't take into account muscle mass. But being 5'4" and 140 lbs, that gives you a BMI of 24, which is at the upper end of "normal weight". I won't mention my BMI, but it's way underweight and incredibly unhealthy!

Underweight = <18.5
Normal weight = 18.5-24.9
Overweight = 25-29.9
Obesity = BMI of 30 or greater

Source: http://www.nhlbisupport.com/bmi/

 

[ThaiDie4]

My question is, I'm 20 years old and about 5'4, just under 140 lb, if I'm looking for a healthy average weight (and want to keep some meat on my bones) what should I be aiming for?

I'm 22, 5'4, and 135lb.... I'd say I'm a pretty healthy weight, (even though I don't always eat the healthiest, lol). I think you're fine, just try to eat right and all that good stuff. Like Neo said, the number on the scale isn't the end all be all. You can be "overweight", and still be healthier and have a better looking body than someone who is "underweight", you know??

 

[Perpetual Indulgence]

I am 37 yo female, 5'5, and weigh about 130lbs +/- 3lbs depending on the week.
I feel and look physically healthy.
Eat well and exercise.
It's all just numbers...rely on how you feel.

 

[creampuffwar]

Thanks n3ophy7e that chart really helps

And you are all right, I should rely on how I'm feeling and just eat healthier.
Maybe cut down on that junk food that constantly seduces me.

 

[donkeyPUNCH]

coming from a guys perspective, 5'4" and 130lbs sounds like a good combo to me... I'm a guy who likes some meat on the bones. so that's just about perfect IMO, I wouldn't want a girl to weigh less than 115-120 at that height.

like girls who weigh 90lbs and are 5'5" tall just look scary to me, anorexia is ugly.

 

[fatstep]

at 5 4 125-135 is perfect imo. My past 3 girlfriends have been in this range(except one was 1 inch taller) and they were not fat at all, being too skinny is a bad thing to most guys so i'd say you're perfect and if you want a little change go for a 30 minutes walk if possible 3-4 times/week and try to eat less fat and youll even out after about a month and feel much better as well.

 

[Coolio]

Weight is not a good indicator of health. Bodyfat % is a much better indicator, as you're MUCH healthier if you have a little more muscle mass at the same weight as someone with more fat. Being skinny and weak is not necessarily more or less healthy than being chubby with more muscle underneath too.

 

[zombiesarepeaceful]

I'm 5'8" and 140. Average I guess.