What is "Ideal" Weight?
The concept of an "Ideal Body Weight" (IBW) was originally developed by doctors to calculate drug dosages, not to judge physical appearance. Because medications distribute differently through fat and muscle, doctors needed a way to estimate a patient's metabolically active mass based on their height.
Comparing the Formulas
- Devine Formula (1974): The most widely used standard in medicine. It is often used to calculate dosages for medications like antibiotics.
- Robinson Formula (1983): A modification of Devine's formula that relies on updated population data from the 1980s.
- Miller Formula (1983): Often provides a slightly lower estimate than the others; historically used to estimate lean body mass.
Ideal Weight vs. BMI
While BMI provides a wide "healthy range" (e.g., 140lbs to 175lbs), IBW formulas try to pinpoint a single number based on averages. Most nutritionists recommend aiming for the Healthy BMI Range rather than stressing over a specific "ideal" number, as the formulas do not account for muscle mass or bone density.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does muscle mass affect this? ▼
No. These formulas only consider height and gender. If you are an athlete or bodybuilder, these numbers will likely imply you are "overweight" even if you are very lean. Body Fat Percentage is a better metric for athletes.
Which formula should I trust? ▼
The Devine Formula is the industry standard for medical purposes. However, if you are looking for a general health goal, focus on the "Healthy Range" (BMI 18.5-25) shown in the green box above.