Ideal Body Weight Formulas
Ideal Body Weight (IBW) formulas were originally developed for pharmaceutical dosing — not as strict beauty standards. They estimate a weight range thought to correspond with good health outcomes for a given height and gender. Current research suggests that "ideal" weight is individual and depends on many factors beyond height.
The Four Formulas
| Formula | Year | Men (kg) | Women (kg) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Devine | 1974 | 50 + 2.3×(H−60) | 45.5 + 2.3×(H−60) |
| Robinson | 1983 | 52 + 1.9×(H−60) | 49 + 1.7×(H−60) |
| Miller | 1983 | 56.2 + 1.41×(H−60) | 53.1 + 1.36×(H−60) |
| Hamwi | 1964 | 48 + 2.7×(H−60) | 45.4 + 2.2×(H−60) |
H = height in inches above 5 feet (60 inches)
Limitations
- These formulas don't account for body composition, muscular build, age, or ethnicity
- Athletes and highly muscular individuals may exceed IBW without health risk
- The BMI healthy range (18.5–24.9) is generally considered a more flexible and modern estimate
- Always consult a healthcare provider for personalized guidance