A weight height chart is used to assess what body type a person has. These are also known as a body's build or weight class. A person's body type is not necessarily a useful indicator for a person's level of health. However, these classifications have been appropriated by other fields such as fashion, bodybuilding, insurance and the visual arts.

In the 1940s, an insurance company publicly put out with a weight height chart for distinct body types. In their system, the various body types are labeled frame sizes. Frame sizes were used to assess the insurability of a certain person. However, the system has many drawbacks and can no longer be used as an indicator of health.

In the world of bodybuilding, people are grouped into three body types, ectomorphs, endomorphs and mesomorphs. Ectomorphs have a high metabolism, so they effortlessly lose weight but are unable to gain muscle mass. Endomorphs easily gain weight, but have a hard time controlling their body fat. Mesomorphs are naturally able to manage their body fat and muscle development. These classifications aid novice bodybuilders in identifying their problem areas when they program their exercise programs.

Women have four separate body types, based on the relationships between the bust, waist and hips. Apple shaped women have a larger bust and broader shoulders, whereas pear shaped women have prominently shaped hips. Banana shaped women have similar proportions for their bust, waist and hips. Hourglass shaped women have prominent bust and hips, and a relatively small waist. Subsequently, women choose clothes that best flaunt their strengths. In the fields of drawing, painting, sculpture, etc., the various body types are reviewed so that artists can best depict people. In all these different fields, people who do not have attractive body types may not be seen as desirable. They may even form body issues as a result.

However, people forget that a woman's physical attractiveness is not connected to their state of health. Healthy women live with the combined use of diet, exercise and rest. Being healthy does not always equal physical attractiveness, although it will make accentuate particular traits, such as better defined muscles, glowing skin, and a lighter mood. Ultimately, a healthy lifestyle will not dramatically change your appearance, but it will improve your physical well-being.