Your weight is an important factor in the quality of your overall health and well-being. A healthy weight lowers your risk of heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and many other diseases and conditions. On top of this, when you’re not underweight or overweight, you can feel more confident and comfortable in your day-to-day life.
Your ideal weight is not one specific number, and the range depends on factors like your height, body type, and age. If you ask, “What is a healthy weight for the average man?” read on to learn more about this and how you can reach and maintain your ideal weight.
Calculate Your BMI
The average American man is five feet nine inches tall, so his ideal weight is between 144 and 176 pounds. This weight range is based on the Body Mass Index (BMI), which relates to a measure of body fat.
Determine your BMI using a convenient online calculator. The most straightforward BMI calculation is your weight in kilograms divided by the square of your height in meters. By looking at the results, you can see if you fall within the healthy weight of the average man.
After you run the calculation, use the following to interpret your results:
- BMI under 18.5: Underweight
- BMI between 18.5 and 24.9: Healthy Weight
- BMI between 25 and 29.9: Overweight
- BMI over 30: Obese
BMI has its limitations because it doesn’t differentiate between body fat and muscle content. But in many cases, it’s a good way to get a general sense of a person’s weight status. Once you know your weight status, you can take steps to reach and maintain your ideal weight range.
Exercise Consistently
If you focus on one type of exercise, it’s time to branch out. Varying your routine optimizes your workout and ensures you don’t under-utilize parts of your body. Incorporate these four categories of exercise for the best results: aerobic exercise, strength training, balance exercise, and stretching.
You don’t have to go to the gym every day to get a great workout. There are several at-home exercises you can do, and many of them don’t require equipment. Whether you’re just starting your exercise journey or already dedicated to working out, exercising at home is a convenient way to reach and maintain a healthy weight.
Eat Delicious and Healthy Food
While exercise is an important component of your overall fitness, what you bring into your body more strongly influences your weight. Eat and drink delicious and healthy foods and beverages to give your body the nutrients it needs while keeping you content.
Cooking with the right herbs and spices ensures your meals have maximum flavor without compromising nutrition. The more you cook with spices, the more you’ll understand how to best use them.
You can also swap out foods you enjoy with healthier versions that you’ll still love. For example, trade your conventional bagel for a protein bagel to satisfy your craving with almost no carbs and as much protein as you would get from four eggs. Making a switch like this can help you attain and maintain your ideal weight without sacrificing your satisfaction.
Van Rundell is a writer and author who specializes in transportation, travel, guidance, health & fitness. With over 10 years of experience in the industry as a driver and an entrepreneur, he has seen it all. His tone is professional but friendly with a dash of humor thrown in for good measure. In past, he has been advising, educating and writing about transport for the public and professionals alike.
A qualified fitness instructor with over 5 years’ experience as a personal trainer and group fitness instructor, Van brings his deep knowledge of health and exercise science to his articles on health & fitness.