1. What is the Devine Formula?

The Devine formula is a method for estimating ideal body weight (IBW) based on height and gender. It was originally developed for medication dosing and has since become widely used in clinical practice for various purposes including nutritional assessment and determining appropriate body weight goals.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the Devine formula:

Where:

• \( \text{height} \) — Height in centimeters (cm)
• Different constants are used for males and females

Explanation: The formula calculates ideal body weight based on the premise that for each inch over 5 feet (152.4 cm), an additional 2.3 kg should be added for males and 2.1 kg for females (converted to metric units).

3. Importance of Ideal Body Weight Calculation

Details: Ideal body weight estimation is important for various medical applications including medication dosing, nutritional assessment, determining appropriate weight goals, and assessing fitness levels. It provides a standardized reference for what a person should weigh based on their height and gender.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter height in centimeters, select gender. Height must be a positive value. The calculator will provide the estimated ideal body weight in kilograms.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is the clinical significance of ideal body weight?
A: IBW is used for medication dosing, nutritional assessment, determining appropriate weight goals, and as a reference point in various clinical calculations.

Q2: How accurate is the Devine formula?
A: The Devine formula provides a reasonable estimate for most adults but may be less accurate for extremely tall or short individuals, athletes with high muscle mass, or those with unusual body compositions.

Q3: Are there alternative formulas for calculating ideal body weight?
A: Yes, other formulas include the Robinson formula, Miller formula, and Hamwi method. Different formulas may yield slightly different results.

Q4: Should ideal body weight be used for obesity classification?
A: While IBW can provide a reference, body mass index (BMI) is more commonly used for obesity classification as it accounts for both height and actual weight.

Q5: How does age affect ideal body weight?
A: The Devine formula doesn't account for age. Some experts suggest that ideal weight may increase slightly with age due to changes in body composition, but this is not consistently reflected in standard formulas.