1. What is the Devine Formula?

The Devine formula is a method for estimating ideal body weight based on height and gender. It was originally developed for drug dosing calculations and is commonly used in clinical settings to determine appropriate weight ranges.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the Devine formula:

Where:

• \( height\_in \) — Height in inches
• 50 kg — Base weight for males at 60 inches (5 feet)
• 45.5 kg — Base weight for females at 60 inches (5 feet)
• 2.3 kg — Weight added per inch over 60 inches

Explanation: The formula assumes a linear relationship between height and ideal weight above 5 feet, with different base weights for males and females.

3. Importance of Desired Body Weight

Details: Desired body weight is used for nutritional assessment, drug dosing, ventilator settings, and determining if a patient is underweight or overweight. It provides a standardized reference point for clinical decision making.

4. Using the Calculator

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

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: How accurate is the Devine formula?
A: It provides a reasonable estimate for most adults but may not account for body composition differences in athletes or those with unusual body proportions.

Q2: What's the difference between ideal and adjusted body weight?
A: Adjusted body weight is used for obese patients and is calculated as: ideal weight + 0.4 × (actual weight - ideal weight).

Q3: Are there other formulas for ideal body weight?
A: Yes, other common formulas include Robinson, Miller, and Hamwi equations, which give slightly different results.

Q4: How to convert height from cm to inches?
A: Divide cm by 2.54 (1 inch = 2.54 cm). For example, 170 cm = 170/2.54 ≈ 66.9 inches.

Q5: When should this formula not be used?
A: It may not be appropriate for very short or tall individuals, pregnant women, or those with significant muscle mass.