OBJECTIVE: This study aims to develop a recommended permissible weight standard for different types of lifting, horizontal distances, gender and body mass index (BMI) among Asian population. 

METHODOLOGY: This cross-sectional experimental study recruited 72 young adults using criteria of gender and BMI (underweight, normal and overweight). Two sessions were used 1) first session is to determine maximum lifting strength (MLS), 2) second session is to determine the maximum acceptable weight to lift (MAWL). Both sessions need the respondents of two-handed exertions in four lifting types (back lifting, upper-body lifting, arm lifting and shoulder lifting) across two horizontal distances (toes aligned with and posterior to the exerted handle). Total of 8 lifting tasks were performed by each of respondent in each session. Wilcoxon sign test was used to compare between MLS and MAWL and Kruskal-Wallis test to compare MLS and MAWL between 3 different BMI. 

RESULT: For all different types of lifting and horizontal distances shows that there is a significantly higher MLS compared to MAWL (p<0.05). Male respondent had a significantly higher (p<0.05) MLS and MAWL compared to female for all types of lifting and horizontal distances. Respondent with higher BMI had significantly higher (p<0.05) MLS and MAWL compared to underweight and normal. The study showed that the maximum weight lifted and acceptable weight for lifting is at upper-body compared to back, arm and shoulder lifting types. The recommended acceptable weight to lift for male upper-body is 17.8 ± 3.5 kg and for female is 11.3 ± 4.0 kg. 

CONCLUSION: Recommended that lifting use acceptable weight limit compared to maximum weight limit. Permissible weight standard should consider gender, BMI, horizontal distances and lifting types.