What is ideal weight?
Content about ideal weight and related calculations.
Frequently asked questions about ideal weight
Is ideal weight the same as healthy weight?
Not necessarily. The "ideal weight" calculated by formulas is a statistical estimate based only on height and sex. Healthy weight considers body composition (muscle vs. fat), health history, genetics, and individual factors. A muscular person may be above "ideal weight" but perfectly healthy.
Why is there a difference between ideal weight formulas?
Each formula was developed at different times (1964-1983) with specific populations. Devine focused on medication dosage, while Robinson and Miller adjusted for different contexts. The variations reflect methodological and population differences in the original studies.
BMI or ideal weight: which is better?
Both have limitations. BMI considers current weight vs. height, while ideal weight estimates a target. The ideal is to combine: calculate your current BMI, compare it with the suggested ideal weight, but prioritize body composition (% fat) and health markers (pressure, blood glucose, cholesterol) over numbers on the scale.
Should athletes use an ideal weight calculator?
No. Ideal weight formulas do not consider elevated muscle mass. Strength athletes and bodybuilders are often 10-20kg above "ideal weight" due to muscles. For athletes, body composition (bioimpedance or DEXA) and performance are more relevant metrics than absolute weight.
How to achieve my ideal weight in a healthy way?
Healthy goals: lose 0.5-1% of body weight/week in a moderate caloric deficit (15-25%), preserving muscle mass with protein (1.6-2.2g/kg) and strength training. Weight gain: surplus of 10-15% with a focus on hypertrophy. Avoid extreme diets that promise quick results.