1. What is Ideal Body Weight?

Ideal body weight is the optimal weight associated with maximum life expectancy for a given height. It's calculated based on Body Mass Index (BMI), which relates weight to height.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the formula:

Where:

• \( BMI \) — Body Mass Index (typically 18.5-24.9 kg/m² for healthy range)
• \( height \) — Height in meters

Explanation: The formula calculates the weight that would give you the specified BMI at your height.

3. Importance of Ideal Weight Calculation

Details: Knowing your ideal weight helps set healthy weight goals, assess nutritional status, and evaluate risks for weight-related health conditions.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter your desired BMI (typically 22 kg/m² for ideal weight) and your height in meters. For feet/inches to meters conversion: 1 foot = 0.3048 meters, 1 inch = 0.0254 meters.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What BMI should I use for ideal weight?
A: For most adults, a BMI of 22 kg/m² represents ideal weight, while 18.5-24.9 kg/m² is considered healthy.

Q2: Does this work for children?
A: No, this calculator is for adults. Children's ideal weight should be assessed using age- and sex-specific growth charts.

Q3: How accurate is this calculation?
A: It provides a general estimate but doesn't account for body composition (muscle vs. fat). Athletes may weigh more due to muscle mass.

Q4: What about frame size?
A: The calculation assumes average frame size. Those with small frames may aim for the lower end of the BMI range, large frames the higher end.

Q5: Should elderly use the same BMI targets?
A: Some experts suggest slightly higher BMI targets (up to 27 kg/m²) may be appropriate for older adults.