How Much Should a Man Weigh?

The healthy weight for a man depends on several factors.

BMI Provides a Measurement Tool.

BMI (Body Mass Index) charts provide a healthy weight range for an individual based on height, according to University of Maryland Medical Center. BMI, a number determined from your height and weight, is considered healthy if it ranges from 18.5 to 25. For instance, a 6-foot man should weigh approximately 140 to 180 pounds.

BMI Isn't Always Accurate.

Factors such as age, gender and body fat percentage do not figure into the BMI calculation. This causes inaccurate measurements in certain populations, including men with a higher-than-average percentage of muscle, according to University of Maryland Medical Center.

Bottom Line

Use BMI only as a general indicator of healthy weight to be used in conjunction with other measurements such as body composition tests and waist-to-hip ratio, as suggested by College of the Canyons. Visit with your physician to determine your own healthy weight.

References

• UMMC: Body Mass Index Chart
• UMMC: What Is Your Ideal Weight?
• College of the Canyons: Nutrition Coach

Resources

• NIDDK: Weight and Waist Measurement: Tools for Adults