Healthy Weight Range for a 5-Foot Woman
For a healthy 5-foot (60 inches) woman, the recommended weight range is 97-128 pounds (44-58 kg), corresponding to a BMI of 18.5-25.0 kg/m². 1
Standard Weight Classification
The American Heart Association defines healthy weight as a BMI between 18.5-24.9 kg/m², which translates to specific weight ranges based on height 1. For a woman who is exactly 5 feet tall:
- Healthy weight range: 97-128 pounds 2
- Underweight: <97 pounds (BMI <18.5) 1
- Overweight: 128-153 pounds (BMI 25.0-29.9) 1
- Obese: >153 pounds (BMI ≥30.0) 1
Health Implications of Weight Categories
Maintaining weight within the healthy BMI range (18.5-25.0 kg/m²) is associated with the lowest risk of cancer, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and overall mortality. 1 The American Cancer Society emphasizes that overweight and obesity (BMI ≥25.0) significantly increase risks for multiple cancers including breast (postmenopausal), colon, endometrial, esophageal, kidney, and pancreatic cancers, as well as cardiovascular disease and stroke 1.
Large, well-designed longitudinal studies consistently show that the lowest morbidity and mortality rates occur in adults with BMIs between 19 and 25 kg/m² 3. For women specifically, optimal body fat percentages average between 20-30% 3.
Reference Weight Data
Historical reference data from the National Kidney Foundation guidelines indicate that for a 5-foot woman aged 55-74 years with a medium frame, the 50th percentile weight is approximately 54-60 kg (119-132 pounds) 2. For younger women, reference standards show that a 5-foot-4-inch woman (the reference height) weighs 126 pounds at the 50th percentile 2.
Important Clinical Considerations
BMI has limitations as it does not distinguish between lean mass and fat mass, potentially misclassifying individuals with high muscle mass. 1 The American Heart Association recommends measuring waist circumference alongside BMI for more complete risk assessment, with high-risk thresholds >35 inches (88 cm) for women 1.
For Asian populations, lower BMI thresholds apply due to higher body fat percentages at lower BMI values, with overweight defined as BMI ≥23.0 kg/m² and obese as BMI ≥25.0 kg/m² 1.
Weight Management Approach
The American Cancer Society recommends balancing caloric intake with physical activity to achieve and maintain healthy body weight. 1 Even modest weight loss of 5-10% can produce meaningful health improvements for those above the healthy weight range 1. Practical strategies include restricting portion sizes, limiting calorie-dense foods, and increasing physical activity levels 1.
For a sedentary to moderately active adult woman, estimated caloric needs range from 1,800-2,000 kcal/day to maintain healthy weight. 2