I am sure there are many of you who, like me, have never been fans of weight charts. I have always been athletic, with particularly muscular legs, and I believe a "broad" build (I am male); even when I have been happy (or relatively happy) with my size, my weight was always higher than the charts say it should be. Maybe this is self deception at work, but I hope not.

Fitday's weight charts can't be right; can they? For example...They show 3 categories of weights:"Healthy", "Moderate overweight", and "severe overweight". Two examples: For a 6' person they say "Healthy" is from 140 lbs. to 185 lbs. , "Mod. Over." 185-210, "Sev. Over." 210 and up. For a 5'6'' person: "Healthy" 120-160, "Mod. Over." 160-180, "Sev. Over." 180 and up. One thing that is weird and or troubling is that these numbers seem to be unisex.

As a 5'8'' (really 5'7") male who feels very good and fit at 200 lbs. (which I am getting close to), and whose "ultimate goal" is about 175-180 lbs., I am distressed by this chart. My "ultimate goal" is on the higher end of "Moderate Overweight" approaching "Severe Overweight". According to the chart, my Maximum "Healthy" weight" is about 160 lbs. Wow!

Am I crazy to be skeptical of these numbers?

No you're not crazy. I'm also extremely sceptical of them .. I'm 5'8 and have a current lean body mass of 132lbs. I would look horrible (and be dangerously sick at) 140lbs.

My long term goal of 176 puts me still in the moderately overweight category (same as you actually!) .. but I think it's healthy, especially as I'm working hard at gaining more muscle.

Just go with the point where you feel healthy..

I have no clue where they come up with these standards....I am tall, 5'8" and I was thin at 175 in high school (I carry a few pounds better than most). I would not worry about the charts, do what you feel is best for YOU and if you look good and feel good, who cares 'bout the charts.

I think all weight charts...suck.

The problem with height/weight charts is that they do not take into account the amount of lean body mass that an individual has. Those with a higher lean body mass can weigh more and still look leaner and have a lower body fat percentage than someone of the same height who weighs less but has less lean body mass. Lean body mass and body fat percentages are a much better indication of healthy bodies than those height/weight charts.