Ideal Body Weight

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Ideal body weight (IBW) is an estimation of ideal body weight in relation to height and gender.2 IBW and adjusted body weight (ABW) is mostly used as a medical dosage baseline rather than a weight loss guide or goal weight.

Multiple formulas calculate ideal body weight, and all have their shortcomings. Ideal body weight is used in clinical measurements, and the most popular formula used is the Devine formula. The type of formula used differs slightly depending on the local population.

We have included several different ideal body weight formulas for comparison.

The BMI range and hip to waist ratio is an excellent tool to find a goal body weight for weight loss

IBW Limitations

  • IBW does not account for muscle mass

References

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  9. Peterson CM, Thomas DM, Blackburn GL, Heymsfield SB. Universal equation for estimating ideal body weight and body weight at any BMI. Am J Clin Nutr. 2016 May;103(5):1197-203. doi: 10.3945/ajcn.115.121178. Epub 2016 Mar 30. Erratum in: Am J Clin Nutr. 2017 Mar;105(3):772. PMID: 27030535; PMCID: PMC4841935.
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