What is the primary purpose of height-and-weight tables?

The primary purpose of height-and-weight tables is to predict mortality rates. These tables provide a simplistic way to assess whether an individual falls within a healthy weight range based on their height. The relationship between height and weight has been correlated with health outcomes, and deviations from these norms can indicate an increased risk of various health issues, including mortality.

Height-and-weight tables predominantly focus on identifying potential health risks rather than providing detailed body composition information or assessing athletic performance. They do not measure body fat percentage, as that requires different methods such as skinfold calipers or bioelectrical impedance analysis. By evaluating a person's weight in relation to their height, these tables serve as a basic screening tool to prompt further investigation into an individual's overall health and risk for diseases associated with underweight or overweight conditions.