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Devine Formula:
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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.
The calculator uses the Devine formula:
Where:
Explanation: The formula calculates ideal body weight based on the premise that for each additional centimeter above 5 feet (152.4 cm), an additional 0.91 kg is added to the base weight, which differs between males and females.
Details: Ideal body weight is used in various clinical settings including medication dosing (particularly for drugs with narrow therapeutic windows), nutritional assessment, determining appropriate weight goals, and assessing fluid status. It provides a standardized reference for what a person's weight should be based on their height and gender.
Tips: Enter height in centimeters, select gender. Height must be a positive value. The calculator will provide the ideal body weight in kilograms based on the Devine formula.
Q1: What is the clinical significance of ideal body weight?
A: IBW is used for drug dosing calculations, nutritional assessment, determining appropriate weight goals, and as a reference point in various clinical evaluations.
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 be preferred in specific clinical contexts.
Q4: Should IBW 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 explicitly account for age. Some adjustments might be considered for elderly patients, as body composition changes with age.