Ideal Weight - What is Normal?

When considering weight management, many people set their weight loss goals and then work their butts off (literally!) in an attempt to achieve them. However, before you can create a realistic and healthy goal, diet, and workout plan, it is important to know what your ideal weight is. Although it may seem straightforward, this can be a tricky question to answer, because everyone's ideal weight is different and dependent on a variety of factors.

It is important to understand that ideal weight and goal weight are not the same thing. Many people set unrealistic weight loss goals for themselves based on what they think they should weigh, not what is healthy for them. Factors that determine ideal weight include frame size, height, gender, and age.

For example, the ideal weight for an adult man who is 5'10 with a medium build is between 151 and 163 lbs. For an adult woman who is 5'6 and a medium frame, the ideal weight is between 130 and 145 lbs. Body fat percentage is also more important than the number on the scale, and should be taken into consideration when setting weight loss goals.

By determining their ideal weight and setting realistic goals that coincide with what is healthy for them and not what they think they should weigh, many people find that they can more effectively lose weight quickly and healthily through healthy eating and exercise.