Ideal Body Weight Calculator

Devine Formula:

\[ \text{IBW (kg)} = \begin{cases} 50 + 0.91 \times (\text{height (cm)} - 152.4) & \text{for males} \\ 45.5 + 0.91 \times (\text{height (cm)} - 152.4) & \text{for females} \end{cases} \]

Ideal Body Weight (IBW):

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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:

\[ \text{IBW (kg)} = \begin{cases} 50 + 0.91 \times (\text{height (cm)} - 152.4) & \text{for males} \\ 45.5 + 0.91 \times (\text{height (cm)} - 152.4) & \text{for females} \end{cases} \]

Where:

\( \text{height} \) — Height in centimeters (cm)
Different base values and the same multiplier are used for males and females

Explanation: The formula calculates ideal body weight based on the premise that weight should scale proportionally with height, with different baseline weights for men and women.

3. Importance of Ideal Body Weight Calculation

Details: Ideal body weight estimation is important for medication dosing, nutritional assessment, determining appropriate weight goals, and assessing fitness levels. It provides a standardized reference for what a person's weight should be 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: 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.

Q2: Should I use this formula if I'm very muscular?
A: The formula estimates weight based on average body composition. If you have significantly more muscle mass than average, your healthy weight might be higher than the calculated IBW.

Q3: Can this formula be used for children?
A: No, the Devine formula is designed for adults. Different formulas and growth charts are used for pediatric populations.

Q4: Are there limitations to this formula?
A: Yes, it doesn't account for frame size, muscle mass, age, or ethnic differences in body composition. It's best used as a general guideline rather than an absolute standard.

Q5: How is IBW used in medical settings?
A: IBW is commonly used for calculating medication doses, determining nutritional needs, setting weight goals, and assessing whether a patient is underweight or overweight.