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what is the ideal weight for a 5'3",middle aged woman?

ginger root
08/15/08
ginger root
Topics:body weight
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Neil MD
Neil MD
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Neil MD is a physician in internal medicine.

Sunday, August 17, 2008

Hello ginger root,

 

Most physicians use BMI, or body mass index, to decide what are healthy weight ranges for patients.  BMI is a ratio of your weight and height, and anywhere for 18.5-25 is considered a healthy weight.

 

BMI calculators are everywhere on the internet.  For a person (sex is not a factor) who is 5'3", weight should be between 103-140 is considered "ideal".

 

That being said, BMI has a significant number of limitations, and an "ideal" weight is no guarantee of good health.  For instance, a person with very high muscle mass can be "overweight" but in much better health than lets say a thin, older person in the normal range.

 

So, I suggest taking ideal weight/BMI as merely a starting point for good health and one of many discussion topics for you and your primary physician on how you can be as healthy as possible!

 

To your health,

Neil MD

 

 

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