A good weight for a 5'8" female falls between 123 and 157 pounds, based on the Body Mass Index (BMI) range of 18.5 to 24.9. This range applies to women aged 20 and older.
The BMI formula divides weight in kilograms by height in meters squared. For a 5'8" female (173 cm), the calculation is:
BMI = weight(kg) / (height(m))²
Plugging in the lower bound (123 lbs / 56 kg):
BMI = 56 / (1.73)² = 18.5
For the upper bound (157 lbs / 71 kg):
BMI = 71 / (1.73)² = 24.9
Three methods assess whether a weight is healthy:
Carrying excess weight increases risks for heart disease, diabetes, and certain cancers. However, being underweight also poses health risks, including malnutrition and weakened immune function.
Muscle mass affects weight. A muscular 5'8" female may weigh more but have a lower body fat percentage, placing her in a healthy range despite exceeding the BMI upper limit.
Many believe weight alone determines health. However, factors like muscle mass, bone density, and fat distribution play important roles. Two people of the same height and weight can have vastly different body compositions.
Another myth is that ideal weight is static. As women age, metabolism slows, and muscle mass may decrease, shifting the healthy weight range.
A 5'8" female weighing 140 pounds falls within the healthy range. Her BMI is 23.7, placing her in the normal category. However, if her waist circumference exceeds 35 inches, she may still face health risks due to abdominal fat.
To assess her body fat percentage, she could use calipers or a body composition scale. If her measurement is 25%, she falls within the recommended range for women.
For a more personalized assessment, she could consult a healthcare provider or registered dietitian to evaluate her health and body composition.