When attempting to lose weight or simply making healthy lifestyle changes, it is important to understand the difference between a realistic and unrealistic ideal weight. To avoid setting unrealistic, unattainable weight loss goals, calculate your ideal body weight. Then work with a fitness professional to create a fitness program suited for you.
Step 1
Determine the frame size of your body. Wrap your thumb and fingers around the smallest part of your wrist. For a small frame, the fingers overlap. For a medium frame, the fingers touch. For a large frame, the fingers do not touch.
Step 2
Measure your height in inches using a measuring tape or yardstick. Five feet equals 60 inches.
Step 3
Weigh yourself on a scale. Convert pounds to kilograms by dividing your weight in pounds by 2.2.
Step 4
Calculate your ideal body weight using the Devine formula for men: 50 + 2.3 kg. per inch over 60 inches (or 5 feet). Calculate your ideal body weight using the Robinson formula for women: 49 + 1.7 kg. per inch over 60 inches (or 5 feet).
Step 5
Enter your information into an Internet website as an alternative to using a calculator to determine your ideal body weight. Try Health Central's Ideal Body Weight Calculator (see Resources).
Tips and Warnings
- Consider the frame size of your body--determined in Step 1. For a larger frame, your ideal body weight may be more than the formula's calculations. Age also plays a factor in body weight. Older people naturally have more body fat and less muscle and bone mass, according to NSCA's "Essentials of Personal Training" textbook. This may skew your ideal body weight results. Always allow room for error.
- Consult a physician, personal trainer or nutritionist to determine your ideal body weight if you are elderly, obese, a body builder or disabled.
Things You'll Need
- Weighing scale
- Measuring tape or yardstick
- Calculator
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