A little bit of fat around the midsection is normal for men as they get older. Keep an eye on it, but don`t obsess. Two factors-height-to-we ight and waist-to-hip ratios-are more telling than what you see in the mirror. The following guide of updated government recommendations will help you determine if you have any reason for worry about the risk of heart disease, diabetes and hypertension:
– Waist-to-hip ratio: Wrap a tape measure around your waist at about the level of the belly button. Note the circumference. Then, measure around your hips, including buttocks, where they are widest. Divide the waist measurement by the hip measurement to get your ratio. Ratios above 0.95 for men (0.80 for women) are linked to greater risk for several diseases.
– Following are acceptable weights for men and women-height (no shoes), weight in pounds (no clothes): 19-34 years, then 35 years and older:
5`0” 97-128 108-138
5`1” 101-132 111-143
5`2” 104-137 115-148
5`3” 107-141 119-152
5`4” 111-146 122-157
5`5” 114-150 126-162
5`6” 118-155 130-167
5`7” 121-160 134-172
5`8” 125-164 138-178
5`9” 129-169 142-183
5`10” 132-174 146-188
5`11” 136-179 151-194
6`0” 140-184 155-199
6`1” 144-189 159-205
6`2” 148-195 164-210
