What Should My Weight Be 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 calculations and is widely used in clinical practice to determine appropriate body weight targets.

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:

\( height \) — Height in centimeters
50 kg — Base weight for males
45.5 kg — Base weight for females
0.91 — Weight increment per cm above 152.4 cm (5 feet)

Explanation: The formula calculates ideal body weight based on the assumption that for each inch (2.54 cm) over 5 feet (152.4 cm), an additional 2.3 kg (5 lbs) should be added for males and 2.1 kg (4.6 lbs) for females.

3. Importance of Ideal Body Weight Calculation

Details: Ideal body weight is used for various medical purposes 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 your height in centimeters, select your gender, and click calculate. For accurate results, measure your height without shoes and stand straight against a wall.

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 not account for individual variations in body composition, bone structure, or muscle mass.

Q2: Should athletes use this formula?
A: Athletes with higher muscle mass may find their actual healthy weight exceeds the IBW calculation, as muscle weighs more than fat.

Q3: Is this formula suitable for all ethnicities?
A: The formula was developed primarily on Western populations and may need adjustment for different ethnic groups with varying body compositions.

Q4: Can this be used for children?
A: No, the Devine formula is designed for adults. Pediatric weight calculations use different methods based on age and growth charts.

Q5: What's the difference between IBW and BMI?
A: IBW gives a single target weight based on height and gender, while BMI provides a weight range based on height regardless of gender and is calculated as weight(kg)/height(m)².