Usually, we discuss a lot about the ideal body weight for younger women, but even elderly ladies need to be vigilant about their weight in order to minimize the health risks associated with obesity and aging.
Most of us look to achieve the ideal physique or weight because it not only helps us physically but also enhances our looks and subsequently our confidence. Also, being overweight or underweight can lead to other health problems. Age might be a state of mind, but the body may not always agree. Thus, getting older can bring about the possibility of several health issues irrespective of gender. Especially in women, menopause and osteoporosis can pose serious health problems if a lady is overweight. Now, the ideal height to weight chart can be misleading for women over 60.
BMI and Women over 60
Certain studies have suggested that in case of women over 60, the BMI may not indicate the ideal weight. A BMI of 26 would still put older women in the healthy range, whereas for younger women it would mean they are overweight. A BMI range of 25 to 27 is considered to be normal for older women according to the American National Institutes of Health. The following gives an estimation of the ideal weight based on their height for women over 60.
| Ideal Weight for Women over 60 | |
| Height (Feet) | Weight (Pounds) |
| 5’0” | 128 – 142 |
| 5’1” | 132 – 147 |
| 5’2” | 136 – 151 |
| 5’3” | 141 – 157 |
| 5’4” | 145 – 162 |
| 5’5” | 150 – 167 |
| 5’6” | 155 – 172 |
| 5’7” | 159 – 177 |
| 5’8” | 164 – 183 |
| 5’9” | 169 – 188 |
| 5’10” | 174 – 194 |
| 5’11” | 179 – 199 |
| 6’0” | 184 – 205 |
Ideal Weight and BMI
The BMI of a person is calculated by dividing his/her weight (pounds) by the square of his/her height (inches) and multiplying with 703. This index indicates if a person is underweight, normal, overweight or obese. Following is a standard BMI chart for adults.
| BMI | Weight Status |
| below 18.5 | underweight |
| 18.5 – 24.9 | normal |
| 25 – 29.9 | overweight |
| 30 and above | obese |
Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
It is important to keep in mind that ideal weight based on BMI is not a direct indicator of how healthy older women are. Various factors like race, lifestyle, etc., play a role in how fit a woman is, and what her ideal weight should be. Thus, consulting a doctor is perhaps the best way to find out one’s ideal body weight.
Disclaimer: This article is for informative purposes only and does not in any way attempt to replace the advice offered by an expert on the subject.