Ideal Weight by Age
Healthy weight doesn't stay static across a lifetime. The healthy BMI band widens slightly after 50, and mild overweight is actually protective for adults 65+. Ranges below use WHO/CDC BMI limits with age adjustments supported by large-cohort studies.
| Age | 5'0" | 5'3" | 5'6" | 5'9" | 6'0" |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 20s | 95–127 | 104–141 | 115–154 | 125–169 | 136–184 |
| 30s | 95–127 | 104–141 | 115–154 | 125–169 | 136–184 |
| 40s | 95–127 | 104–141 | 115–154 | 125–169 | 136–184 |
| 50s | 95–131 | 104–144 | 115–158 | 125–173 | 136–188 |
| 60s | 102–136 | 113–150 | 124–164 | 135–179 | 147–195 |
| 65+ | 113–138 | 124–152 | 136–167 | 149–183 | 162–199 |
Numbers in lbs. Medium frame, average build. Adjust ±5–7% for small/large frame.
How age changes the range
- 20s: Standard WHO/CDC healthy band.
- 30s: Same band. Metabolism slows slightly — activity matters more than the number.
- 40s: Muscle loss begins (~1% / year after 30). Resistance training preserves lean mass and the healthy range.
- 50s: Slightly wider upper end acknowledges body-composition shifts.
- 60s: Modest overweight appears protective against illness and fall recovery in older adults.
- 65+: Underweight is a bigger risk than mild overweight for adults 65+.
Want a range that combines your age, height, frame, and waist size? Run the Quick Target Weight calculator.