What is the best method for determining an individual's ideal body weight?

To determine ideal body weight, individuals should not rely solely on a bathroom scale, height-weight tables, or percent body-fat measurements.

Sound nutrition and exercise science principles, along with common sense, mandate that individuals should avoid setting ”hard and fast” body-weight goals. Rather, they should strive for achieving a level of body weight that is compatible with a healthy lifestyle (i.e., sensible eating, regular exercise, etc.).

All factors considered, the body weight that results from adopting such a lifestyle should ultimately be considered as the ideal union between an individual’s wellness level, genetic potential, and a state of reality.

What represents a safe, realistic, and, perhaps more importantly, attainable body weight for an individual will depend (to a large extent) on the following factors:

- Medical History

- Family History

- Body Composition

- Body Fat Distribution

- Functional Ability

You can find out what your ideal body weight should be by seeing your physician or asking a trained fitness professional.

Julie MED RD LD