A number on the scale can evoke strong emotions, but body weight only tells a small part of how your body feels. Two women who are both 170 centimeters tall can weigh different amounts and still be healthy, because muscle mass, body build, genetics, life situation and health status affect weight.
There is therefore no exact “ideal weight” that all women of the same height should aim to reach. Tables that specify a specific weight for each age or wrist width oversimplify the body and can create unnecessary anxiety.
Approximate weight range for a 170 cm adult
BMI is sometimes used as a simple orientation tool for adults. It is calculated by dividing weight in kilograms by height in meters times height in meters.
For an adult who is 170 centimeters tall, the BMI range of 18.5–24.9 corresponds approximately to:
54–72 kilogram
This is a broad statistical reference range, not a personal goal or requirement. A weight outside the range does not automatically mean someone is sick, nor does a weight within the range guarantee good health. 1177 emphasizes that BMI is only one of several methods that can be used to assess weight and health risk.
BMI table for an adult who is 170 cm tall
| Weight | Approximate BMI | Traditional BMI category |
|---|---|---|
| 50 kg | 17,3 | Under 18,5 |
| 54 kg | 18,7 | Within the reference range |
| 60 kg | 20,8 | Within the reference range |
| 65 kg | 22,5 | Within the reference range |
| 70 kg | 24,2 | Within the reference range |
| 72 kg | 24,9 | Upper part of the reference range |
| 75 kg | 26,0 | Over 25 |
| 80 kg | 27,7 | Over 25 |
The World Health Organization's standard classification for adults defines a BMI below 18.5 as underweight, 18.5–24.9 as normal weight, 25–29.9 as overweight, and 30 or higher as obese. The cutoffs are tools for population assessment and should not be interpreted as a full diagnosis for an individual.
Why the scale doesn't tell the whole truth
BMI and body weight cannot distinguish between fat, muscle, bone and water. A person with a lot of muscle mass can weigh more without having a high percentage of body fat. Another person can be within a normal weight range but still have low muscle mass or other health problems.
BMI also does not show where body fat is located or what blood pressure, blood sugar, blood lipids, fitness and mental well-being look like. Therefore, the number should always be interpreted together with other factors.
