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Ideal Body Weight Formula:
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Ideal Body Weight (IBW) is an estimate of how much a person should weigh based on their height and gender. It provides a target weight range for maintaining good health and is commonly used in medical settings for medication dosing and nutritional assessment.
The calculator uses the standard formula for Indian population:
Where:
Explanation: The formula calculates ideal weight based on the premise that for every centimeter above 152.4 cm (5 feet), an additional 0.91 kg is added to the base weight, which differs by gender.
Details: Knowing your ideal body weight helps in setting realistic weight goals, assessing nutritional status, determining appropriate medication dosages, and evaluating health risks associated with being underweight or overweight.
Tips: Enter your height in centimeters, select your gender, and click calculate. For accurate results, measure your height without shoes and stand straight against a wall.
Q1: Is this formula specific for Indian population?
A: Yes, this formula is commonly used for Indian adults as it accounts for the typical body frame and composition found in the Indian population.
Q2: How does IBW differ from BMI?
A: While BMI considers both height and weight to classify weight categories, IBW provides a specific target weight range based solely on height and gender.
Q3: Should athletes use IBW?
A: IBW may not be accurate for athletes with high muscle mass, as muscle weighs more than fat. Other assessments like body fat percentage may be more appropriate.
Q4: Can IBW be used for children?
A: No, this formula is designed for adults. Children and adolescents require age-specific growth charts for weight assessment.
Q5: How often should I check my ideal body weight?
A: IBW is relatively stable once you reach adulthood. You should recalculate only if you have significant changes in height or if using for medical purposes where precision is important.