1. What is Ideal Body Weight (IBW)?

Ideal Body Weight (IBW) is an estimate of how much a person should weigh based on their height and gender. It's commonly used in medical settings to assess nutritional status and calculate medication dosages.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the Devine formula:

Where:

• Height is measured in inches
• The formula assumes 60 inches (5 feet) as the baseline height
• For each additional inch above 60, add 2.3 kg (men) or 2.3 kg (women)

Explanation: The formula provides different baseline weights for men and women (50 kg vs 45.5 kg at 5 feet tall) but uses the same weight increment per additional inch.

3. Importance of IBW Calculation

Details: IBW is used for determining nutritional status, calculating medication dosages (especially for drugs with narrow therapeutic windows), and assessing obesity or underweight status when compared to actual body weight.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter height in inches (1 foot = 12 inches), select gender. The calculator will provide the estimated ideal weight in kilograms.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Why are there different formulas for men and women?
A: Men typically have more muscle mass and larger frames than women of the same height, so their ideal weight is proportionally higher.

Q2: How accurate is the IBW formula?
A: It provides a general estimate but doesn't account for frame size, muscle mass, or body composition. Other formulas (like Hamwi) may be used in some settings.

Q3: What if my height is under 5 feet (60 inches)?
A: The formula still works - it will subtract 2.3 kg for each inch below 60 inches.

Q4: Should IBW be used for everyone?
A: IBW may not be appropriate for very muscular individuals, athletes, or those with certain body compositions. Adjusted body weight may be used in some cases.

Q5: How does IBW relate to BMI?
A: IBW typically corresponds to a BMI of about 21.5-22.5 kg/m² for men and 20.5-21.5 kg/m² for women.