Calculating your ideal body weight can be a useful way to assess your health and fitness goals. While there are various methods to determine this, one commonly used formula is the Body Mass Index (BMI), which provides a general indication of whether you are underweight, normal weight, overweight, or obese based on your height and weight.
To calculate your ideal body weight using BMI, first measure your height in metres and your weight in kilograms. The BMI formula is as follows:
BMI = weight (kg) / (height (m)²)
A BMI between 18.5 and 24.9 is generally considered to be healthy. However, it’s important to remember that BMI does not take into account muscle mass, bone density, or fat distribution, so it may not be suitable for everyone.
Alternatively, you can use the Hamwi formula, which provides a more specific estimation based on gender. For men, the formula is 48.0 kg for the first 152.4 cm plus 2.7 kg for each additional cm. For women, it starts at 45.5 kg for the first 152.4 cm, adding 2.2 kg for each additional cm.
Regardless of the method you choose, it’s advisable to consult a healthcare professional when determining your ideal body weight, as factors such as age, muscle-to-fat ratio, and overall health should be considered for a more tailored approach.