Sports & Nutrition: Miscellaneous / Question
Published: May 23, 2001
Dear TeenHealthFX,
In another question you refer to the "5-pound rule (starting at 100 pounds, adding 5 pounds for each inch). I do not think that it is appropriate to tell people to use the 5-pound rule, as it damages many people, especially teenagers, psychologically. It has definitely done so for me. One response said to use this a general rule, but not to take it too seriously; however, I do not think it even should have been mentioned. Although I realize that the rule is not accurate, because I hear it so much, my mind inevitably tells me that I weigh too much, because I weigh more that what the 5-pound rule says I should weigh. Whenever I hear someone else's height and weight, I place it in comparison to me. For example, I can't help but consider someone who is an inch taller than me and 5 pounds more my equivalent. Again, I know that the rule is not accurate, but once one hears something like that, it is hard not to base things on it.
Signed: Just Say No To 5 Pound Rule
Dear Just Say No To 5 Pound Rule,
We are sorry to hear that including this rule of thumb in our answer has caused you distress as it certainly was not intended to damage you or anyone else psychologically.
The "5-pound rule" is a rule of thumb that helps give a ballpark figure about someone's weight: for women, the rule (of thumb) is 100 pounds at 5 feet and add 5 pounds for every inch over, plus or minus ten percent (to account for differences in builds, muscle, etc.). For example, to get a ballpark figure for how much a woman who was 5'6" tall should weigh you would start at 100 pounds for 5 feet and then 30 pounds for the 6 inches (6x5=30). Then you would add or subtract 10 percent of that figure to get the whole range. So, at 5'6" it would be 130 pounds plus or minus 13 pounds for a range of 117-143 pounds.
What is the best and most accurate way to find out the ideal body weight for someone? Your best bet is to ask a nutritionist or your doctor who will use a growth chart. There are some extremely sophisticated and expensive ways of determining ideal body weight that would be too expensive for everyone to use. There is also the calculation known as the BMI or body mass index that you could use to see if you are the appropriate weigjt for your height (this is another tool that is not 100% accurate). You can click here to learn more and check your BMI.
Should it matter what someone's ideal body weight is? Probably not. By eating healthy and exercising regularly most people will stay at a weight that is just right for them. But for people who have difficulty with their weight - either obesity or anorexia, professionals need to have an idea what a goal weight should be in order to help the person work toward that goal as part of an overall healthy lifestyle - both psychologically and physically.
TeenHealthFX is concerned about how discussion about weight distresses you and how you are comparing yourself to others. It might be a good idea for you to talk with a professional about these issues. You can start by talking to a parent or a school counselor. If you live in Northern New Jersey, you can also contact Atlantic Health System's Eating Disorder Program at 908.522.5757.
Signed: TeenHealthFX
One in four teenage girls in the 
