[Illustration: OVERWEIGHT and UNDERWEIGHT]
_What Is Desirable Weight?_
Desirable weight is a very individual thing. It may be described as the
weight at which a person both _looks_ and _feels_ his best. Height, bone
structure, and muscular development must all be taken into account.
Because no two people are alike, weight tables cannot show with complete
accuracy exactly what every individual should weigh. The tables shown
here are given as a guide rather than as a rigid standard to which
everyone should conform. They show desirable weights for men and women
at age 25 and over. After a person is full grown and has reached his
best weight, he should not gain or lose much for the rest of his life.
It used to be considered inevitable and normal for people to get heavier
toward middle age. We know now that it is not a normal part of getting
older, not healthy, and not necessary.
Life is much easier in many ways for people who are not too fat or too
thin. They usually feel and look better. They are apt to live longer.
They are less likely to suffer from backaches, foot troubles, constant
fatigue, and a host of daily discomforts. They have more fun buying
clothes. Normal weight is worth any effort it takes to reach and
keep—worth it in terms of everyday comfort and of a healthier, longer
life.
DESIRABLE WEIGHTS FOR MEN AND WOMEN OF AGES 25 AND OVER[1]
Weight in Pounds According to Frame (as Ordinarily Dressed)
_men_ HEIGHT SMALL FRAME MEDIUM FRAME LARGE FRAME
(with shoes on)
Feet Inches
5 2 116-125 124-133 131-142
5 3 119-128 127-136 133-144
5 4 122-132 130-140 137-149
5 5 126-136 134-144 141-153
5 6 129-139 137-147 145-157
5 7 133-143 141-151 149-162
5 8 136-147 145-156 153-166
5 9 140-151 149-160 157-170
5 10 144-155 153-164 161-175
5 11 148-159 157-168 165-180
6 0 152-164 161-173 169-185
6 1 157-169 166-178 174-190
6 2 163-175 171-184 179-196
6 3 168-180 176-189 184-202
_women_ HEIGHT SMALL FRAME MEDIUM FRAME LARGE FRAME
(with shoes on)
Feet Inches
4 11 104-111 110-118 117-127
5 0 105-113 112-120 119-129
5 1 107-115 114-122 121-131
5 2 110-118 117-125 124-135
5 3 113-121 120-128 127-138
5 4 116-125 124-132 131-142
5 5 119-128 127-135 133-145
5 6 123-132 130-140 138-150
5 7 126-136 134-144 142-154
5 8 129-139 137-147 145-158
5 9 133-143 141-151 149-162
5 10 136-147 145-155 152-166
5 11 139-150 148-158 155-169