What Weight Range Is Considered Skinny? Let’s Break It Down Honestly
The term "skinny" — not as simple as it sounds
Okay, so first off, the word "skinny" is super subjective. What looks skinny to one person might seem normal—or even underweight—to someone else. But in the health and fitness world, there is a more technical way to look at it. Usually, we’re talking about Body Mass Index (BMI).
Quick BMI refresher
BMI is calculated as your weight (kg) divided by the square of your height (m²). A BMI under 18.5? That’s medically considered underweight. So yeah, many people would label that as “skinny.” But again, it's not the full story.
Skinny weight range by height — some rough estimates
Alright, here's where it gets a bit number-y. Let’s take some common adult heights and see what’s considered “skinny” (aka BMI under 18.5).
5'0" (152 cm) → under 95 lbs (43 kg)
5'4" (163 cm) → under 108 lbs (49 kg)
5'7" (170 cm) → under 121 lbs (55 kg)
6'0" (183 cm) → under 136 lbs (62 kg)
Yup, those weights might surprise you. For some, that’s “goals.” For others, that’s worryingly low.
But wait — what about muscle mass and bone structure?
Great point. Two people can weigh exactly the same and look totally different. Someone with more muscle or a wider frame won’t look "skinny" even if their BMI says so. That’s where BMI kinda flops — it doesn’t factor in body composition at all.
Social perception vs. medical reality
Let’s be real — social media, fashion, movies... they’ve all played a role in shaping what we think “skinny” looks like. And let’s be honest, sometimes that image is waaaay thinner than what’s actually healthy.
The danger zone
In some cases, people chase that "skinny look" without realizing they’re dropping into undernourished territory. Think hair loss, low energy, irregular periods (for women), poor immunity... not worth it, really.
I remember a friend back in college who was proud of fitting into jeans from the kids' section. But she was constantly tired, always cold, and had to quit sports because her body just couldn’t keep up. Not so glamorous when you look closer.
Healthy vs. skinny — let’s not confuse the two
"Skinny" doesn't equal healthy. And honestly, it doesn't equal attractive either — not for everyone. Health comes in lots of shapes and sizes. And strength? That’s underrated.
Focus on how you feel, not just the number
You can weigh more than the “skinny range” and be in awesome shape. You can also be “skinny” and feel miserable. So, ask yourself: am I eating well? Sleeping okay? Feeling strong? That’s the better measure.
In the end, what weight range is considered skinny? Technically, anything that puts your BMI under 18.5. But real life? It’s messier than that. It’s about how your body functions, how you feel, and whether your lifestyle is sustainable. Don't chase a number — chase vitality.
How much height should a boy have to look attractive?
Well, fellas, worry no more, because a new study has revealed 5ft 8in is the ideal height for a man. Dating app Badoo has revealed the most right-swiped heights based on their users aged 18 to 30.
Is 172 cm good for a man?
Yes it is. Average height of male in India is 166.3 cm (i.e. 5 ft 5.5 inches) while for female it is 152.6 cm (i.e. 5 ft) approximately. So, as far as your question is concerned, aforesaid height is above average in both cases.
Is 165 cm normal for a 15 year old?
The predicted height for a female, based on your parents heights, is 155 to 165cm. Most 15 year old girls are nearly done growing. I was too. It's a very normal height for a girl.
Is 160 cm too tall for a 12 year old?
How Tall Should a 12 Year Old Be? We can only speak to national average heights here in North America, whereby, a 12 year old girl would be between 137 cm to 162 cm tall (4-1/2 to 5-1/3 feet). A 12 year old boy should be between 137 cm to 160 cm tall (4-1/2 to 5-1/4 feet).
How tall is a average 15 year old?
Average Height to Weight for Teenage Boys - 13 to 20 Years
| Male Teens: 13 - 20 Years) | ||
|---|---|---|
| 14 Years | 112.0 lb. (50.8 kg) | 64.5" (163.8 cm) |
| 15 Years | 123.5 lb. (56.02 kg) | 67.0" (170.1 cm) |
| 16 Years | 134.0 lb. (60.78 kg) | 68.3" (173.4 cm) |
| 17 Years | 142.0 lb. (64.41 kg) | 69.0" (175.2 cm) |
How to get taller at 18?
Staying physically active is even more essential from childhood to grow and improve overall health. But taking it up even in adulthood can help you add a few inches to your height. Strength-building exercises, yoga, jumping rope, and biking all can help to increase your flexibility and grow a few inches taller.
Is 5.7 a good height for a 15 year old boy?
Generally speaking, the average height for 15 year olds girls is 62.9 inches (or 159.7 cm). On the other hand, teen boys at the age of 15 have a much higher average height, which is 67.0 inches (or 170.1 cm).
Can you grow between 16 and 18?
Most girls stop growing taller by age 14 or 15. However, after their early teenage growth spurt, boys continue gaining height at a gradual pace until around 18. Note that some kids will stop growing earlier and others may keep growing a year or two more.
Can you grow 1 cm after 17?
Even with a healthy diet, most people's height won't increase after age 18 to 20. The graph below shows the rate of growth from birth to age 20. As you can see, the growth lines fall to zero between ages 18 and 20 ( 7 , 8 ). The reason why your height stops increasing is your bones, specifically your growth plates.