It seems reasonable to deduce from these figures that the usual gain in weight with advancing years is not an advantage but a handicap. We should endeavor to keep our weight at approximately the average weight for age 30, the period of full maturity, as experience shows that those so proportioned exhibit the most favorable mortality. This weight, for the various heights, is shown in the following table: AGE 30--MEN ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Height. | Pounds. || Height. | Pounds. || Height. | Pounds. -----------|----------||-----------|----------||------------|----------- Ft. In. | || Ft. In. | || Ft. In. | 5 | 126 || 5 7 | 148 || 6 1 | 178 5 1 | 128 || 5 8 | 152 || 6 2 | 184 5 2 | 130 || 5 9 | 156 || 6 3 | 190 5 3 | 133 || 5 10 | 161 || 6 4 | 196 5 4 | 136 || 5 11 | 166 || 6 5 | 201 5 5 | 140 || 6 | 172 || .......... | ......... 5 6 | 144 || ....... | ...... || .......... | ......... ------------------------------------------------------------------------ AGE 30--WOMEN ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Height. | Pounds. || Height. | Pounds. || Height. | Pounds. -----------|----------||-----------|----------||------------|----------- Ft. In. | || Ft. In. | || Ft. In. | 4 8 | 112 || 5 2 | 124 || 5 8 | 146 4 9 | 114 || 5 4 | 127 || 5 9 | 150 4 10 | 116 || 5 4 | 131 || 5 10 | 154 4 11 | 118 || 5 5 | 134 || 5 11 | 157 5 | 120 || 5 6 | 138 || 6 | 161 5 1 | 122 || 5 7 | 142 || .......... | ......... ------------------------------------------------------------------------ In fat people, the number of working cells is relatively less in proportion to the weight than in thin people, as fat cells do not work. Also, there is less body surface exposed in proportion to the body weight, and consequently less heat loss. Likewise, fat people are less active, and their little cell-engines do not call for so much fuel; but in most cases the fuel is furnished right along in the ordinary diet, and what is not burned up is stored up. [Sidenote: Diet for Overweight] For extreme overweight, diet should be prescribed accurately by the physician to suit the needs of each individual case. Certain general principles may be stated, however, as applicable to the average case. Meals should be light and frequent, rather than hearty and infrequent. A little fruit may be taken on rising and a glass of hot water.