For measuring Ideal Body weight, a measurement that is more commonly
used today is body mass index (BMI). The BMI is thought to be a
more accurate reflection of total body fat the comparison of height
and weight measurements. The BMI, however, is also subject to errors
such as that seen with body builders.
Weight loss or weight gain is classified by the percent of total
body weight (actual weight, not the ideal weight) that is lost or
gained. To calculate:
Take the amount of weight lost (or gained) divided by the previous
(actual normal weight), and times by 100.
For example, a loss of 20 pounds from 140 lbs to 120 lbs would
be calculated this way:
20/140 x 100 = loss of 14% of total body weight.
Obesity is classified by the percent over the
ideal body weight.
The difference between the actual weight and the ideal weight is
divided by the ideal weight, then times 100 to get the percent overweight.
For example, an ideal weight of 120 with an actual weight of 150
would be calculated this way:
150 - 120 = 30
30/120 x 100 = 25% overweight
Determining desirable body weight:
If the tables are not available, a simple way to determine desirable
body weight is as follows:
Women: 100 pounds of body weight for the first
5 feet of height, 5 pounds for each additional inch.
Men: 106 pounds of body weight for the first 5
feet of height, 6 pounds for each additional inch.
Add 10% for a large frame size, and subtract 10% for a small frame
size.
Determining frame size:
To determine the body frame size, measure the wrist with a tape
measure and use the following chart to determine whether the person
is small, medium, or large boned.
Women:
height under 5'2"
small = wrist size less than 5.5"
medium = wrist size 5.5" to 5.75"
large = wrist size over 5.75"
height 5'2" to 5' 5"
small = wrist size less than 6"
medium = wrist size 6" to 6.25"
large = wrist size over 6.25"
height over 5' 5"
small = wrist size less than 6.25"
medium = wrist size 6.25" to 6.5"
large = wrist size over 6.5"
Men:
height over 5' 5"
small = wrist size 5.5" to 6.5"
medium = wrist size 6.5" to 7.5"
large = wrist size over 7.5"
Using the above formula, you can determine your desirable body
weight. The formula provides an approximate desirable body weight
for height. The weight range can vary on an individual basis.
These tables are only appropriate to use with adults. For children,
the height, weight, and head circumference should be measured and
plotted in relationship to age on a growth chart at each well child
check from 2 weeks through 3 years of age. After age 3, only the
height and weight are measured and recorded. Each individual growth
measurement is not that helpful to the pediatrician, but the pattern
of growth over time is extremely important. |