There's no single "ideal weight," as it depends heavily on height, build, sex, and age, but the Body Mass Index (BMI) offers a general guide, with 18.5 to 24.9 kg/m² considered a healthy range for most adults, though it doesn't account for muscle mass. Formulas like Hamwi (e.g., for women: 45.4 kg + 0.9 kg per cm over 152 cm) or height-specific charts provide estimates, but consulting a doctor for a personalized healthy weight is best, especially for older adults where BMI ranges might vary.
The Hamwi method is used to calculate the ideal body weight of the general adult: Male ideal body weight = 48 kilograms (106 lb) + 1.1 kilograms (2.4 lb) × (height (cm) − 152) Female ideal body weight = 45.4 kilograms (100 lb) + 0.9 kilograms (2.0 lb) × (height (cm) − 152)
Your healthy weight range in Australia is generally a Body Mass Index (BMI) between 18.5 and 24.9, calculated from your height and weight, indicating a normal weight, but it's a guide, with ranges like 18.5-24.9 considered healthy, 25-29.9 overweight, and 30+ obese, with waist circumference also important for assessing risk, say NSW Health, Medibank, and Healthdirect, Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, Better Health Channel, and Cancer Australia.
A BMI between 18.5 and 25 kg/m² indicates a normal weight. A BMI of less than 18.5 kg/m² is considered underweight. A BMI between 25 kg/m² and 29.9 kg/m² is considered overweight. A BMI of 30 kg/m² or higher is considered obese.
Generally used to refer to males who could be overpowered and taken advantaged of by other males who are above 200 pounds. Could also be used as a general statement about a male weighing approximately 140-160 pounds or 60-70 kilograms.” - Urban Dictionary.
Changes in the body cause many older adults to gain weight despite their best efforts to stay trim. Shifts in muscle mass, hormones, metabolism and lifestyle all contribute to weight gain, and the average person gains one to two pounds per year during adulthood.
Sleep deprivation has long been linked to an increased risk of becoming overweight or obese. Researchers found that getting less than seven hours of sleep resulted in weight changes and may lead to weight gain, either by increasing food intake or decreasing energy burned.
Increased appetite
Chronic stress equals chronically high cortisol. Elevated cortisol levels can boost your appetite, particularly for high-calorie, sugary and fatty foods. This often leads to overeating and weight gain.
Healthy weight range using BMI
It is simple to check if you are in a healthy weight range with the help of BMI. After calculating your BMI, you can compare it with a BMI chart. You are underweight if your BMI is below 18.5. You are at a healthy or normal weight range if your BMI is between 18.5 and 25.9.
In Australia, a size 12 is generally considered a "straight" or "missy" size, falling within average ranges, but due to vanity sizing and inconsistent measurements across brands, it can represent different body sizes; health-wise, a larger waist (over 88cm for women) is a risk factor, and the actual average Australian woman is now closer to a size 16-18, meaning a size 12 is smaller than average, though "fat" is a subjective term related to body image and health metrics like BMI, not just a single number.
First, what's less than ideal? A waist circumference of greater than 40 inches for men and greater than 35 inches for women is "considered elevated and indicative of increased cardiometabolic (heart disease-related) risk," said Craig Peters, DO, an HonorHealth cardiologist.
The average weight of an adult male in Australia is around 87 kilograms, which is 192 pounds.
Let's get healthy
For example, if you weigh 56 kg and your height is 160 cm, your BMI is almost 22, which is within the normal range.
According to the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute , a good weight for a person who is 5 foot (ft) 4 inches (in) tall ranges from 110–140 pounds (lbs).
70kg isn't inherently heavy for a woman; it depends heavily on height, body composition, and build, but it often falls into a healthy range for taller women, while for shorter women, it could lean towards overweight. For example, a 175cm (5'9") woman at 70kg has a healthy BMI, but a 163cm (5'4") woman at the same weight might be considered borderline overweight, according to this article from The Daily Telegraph.
At the same time, scientists uncovered another fact: men are also attracted to women with curves. This means that women with a BMI of 22.8 to 24.8 are the most appealing to men. This corresponds to a height of 170 cm and a weight of 70 kg.
This is a common myth, but it is indeed a myth. Setting a specific time to stop eating by really doesn't make sense, as we all have different schedules. Our bodies do best if we eat often during the day (ideally every 2-4 hours).
The 3-3-3 rule for weight loss is a simple, habit-based method focusing on three key areas: 3 balanced meals a day, 3 bottles (or ~1.5L) of water by 3 PM, and 3 hours of physical activity per week, aiming for consistency over complex diets. It simplifies fat loss by establishing rhythm through consistent eating, adequate hydration to support metabolism, and regular movement, promoting sustainable health without intense calorie counting or restrictive rules, says Five Diamond Fitness and Wellness, Joon Medical Wellness & Aesthetics, and EatingWell.
Your most consistent and "true" weight is generally in the morning, after using the bathroom and before eating or drinking anything. This provides the most accurate baseline because your body has processed the previous day's food and fluids overnight, resulting in less fluctuation from digestion, water intake, and daily activities. Weighing at the same time, in the same minimal clothing, and under consistent conditions (like in the morning) helps track trends better than weighing at night or randomly.
Starting between ages 30 and 40, you may find losing weight and exercising more challenging. The exercise you do may not have the same effect as before. It's not necessarily a sign that something is wrong. This weight gain in middle age—known as “middle-age spread”—is a natural consequence of aging.
Signs you're aging well include physical vitality (easy movement, good balance, strength for daily tasks), sharp cognitive function (curiosity, learning new skills, remembering details), and strong emotional/social health (staying connected, finding purpose, managing stress). It's about maintaining independence, a positive mindset, and actively engaging in activities you enjoy, not just looking younger, though good skin/hair can be indicators too.
If you're asking yourself, “Why am I gaining weight when I barely eat,” several factors may be at play. Your body may be holding onto fat stores if your eating habits are inconsistent or restricted. Or, your weight gain may be the effect of a sedentary lifestyle, medical condition, or long-term stress.