According to the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute, a woman who is 5'5" should weigh between 114 and 150 pounds to maintain a healthy body weight. This recommendation uses body mass index, or BMI, as a basis.
A woman who is overweight has a higher risk of developing heart disease, high blood pressure, breathing problems, type 2 diabetes and some types of cancers. In order to get the complete picture of her health status, a woman should consider both her weight and her body fat percentage. A woman who is very muscular or athletic could classify as overweight according to her BMI but not according to her percentage of body fat. If health concerns exist about weight, a doctor is capable of providing the best individual assessment.
