Any person who is overweight strives to lose weight. It should be borne in mind that weight correction is a rather serious process that should be approached responsibly. And the primary issue is determining body parameters and calculating extra pounds.
Most people believe that normal weight can be determined by the formula “height – 100”. However, not all so simple. This formula was derived by the Frenchman Paul Brock back in 1850 and, from the point of view of modern scientists, is seriously outdated.
Brock himself pointed out that it is valid only for people whose height does not exceed 165 cm. Subsequently, amendments began to be applied to the formula. So, for people with a height from 166 to 175 cm, the number 105 should be subtracted, and for people above 175 cm - 110. But this option is not ideal, since it does not take into account the individual’s physique: the size of the skeleton bones, the shape of the chest, the ratio transverse and longitudinal proportions.
All people are divided into normosthenics (normal build), asthenics (people with a narrow chest) and hypersthenics (people with a wide chest). For asthenics, a coefficient of up to minus 10% should be applied to the calculated body weight, for hypersthenics up to plus 10%. Thus, depending on the body type, the normal weight of a person 180 cm tall can range from 63 to 77 kg.
It is quite difficult for a person who does not have the appropriate education to determine his body type. Experts offer a fairly simple method: you need to measure the circumference of your wrist. If it is less than 16 cm, then this is a sign that the person is asthenic, from 16 to 18 cm - normosthenic, over 18 cm - hypersthenic.
Corrections are also made for the age of the person being examined. For people under 30 years of age this is a reduction factor of up to 11%, for people over 50 years of age - an increase factor of 5%.
The Lorenz formula, which explains how to calculate excess weight, is a variation of Broca's formula. It looks like “(height (cm) -100) – (height (cm) -150) /2”. The result obtained corresponds to normal weight. For example, for a person 170 cm tall, the calculation will look like this: (170 – 100) – (170 – 150) /2 = 60. Here it is also necessary to make adjustments to the physique and age of a particular person. There is also a simplified version of this formula: height/2 – 25. Example: 170/2 – 25 = 60.
A fundamentally new method for assessing weight was proposed in 1869 by the Belgian scientist Alfred Ketele. He abandoned the traditional measurement in kilograms and introduced the concept of “body mass index,” which is calculated using the formula: BMI = m/h2, where m is body weight (kg), h is height (m). Body mass index determines the following indicators of the body's condition:
- Less than 18 – weight deficiency;
- 18 – 4.9 – normal weight;
- 25 – 6.9 – overweight;
- 30 – 4.9 – first degree obesity;
- 35 – 9.9 – second degree obesity;
- 40 – 9.9 – third degree obesity;
- Over 9.9 – hyperobesity.
As in the cases of calculation according to Broca and Lorenz, Keele’s excess weight formula requires adjustment depending on the person’s constitution. For people of fragile build, the ideal BMI will be 8.5 - 20, for people of normal build - 21 - 23, for people of large build - 24 -25. Amendments also need to be made when studying pregnant women, children and adolescents, and representatives of the Asian race (in this case, the peculiarities of the constitution of representatives of these nationalities are taken into account). One should also take into account the fact that muscle tissue is heavier than fat tissue. Therefore, for athletes, the ideal BMI will differ from the BMI of an ordinary person by 1.5 - 2 units.
The Broca and Quetelet calculation methods are the most well-known and used in modern medicine. However, there are a number of other developments that are worth mentioning. Brunhard's formula suggests calculating body weight using the formula: height (cm), multiplied by the size of the chest circumference and divided by the number 240. Thus, this calculation initially takes into account the human constitution. Nagler proposed a rather complex formula. As a basis, he took an ideal weight of 45 kg with a height of 2.4 cm. For every 2.5 cm above this height, you need to add 0.9 kg. The result obtained should be increased by 10%.
The excess weight calculator, developed on the basis of these and other formulas, allows you to easily and quickly calculate a person’s ideal weight, taking into account his characteristics. However, when using different methods, the results will differ significantly from each other.
This suggests that there is no absolutely correct formula for calculating excess weight.
In medicine, “excess weight” should be understood as “excess fat,” and the proposed methods do not provide a complete study of this parameter. The normal body fat level for men is 12 - 18%, for women 18 -25%. Modern medical equipment makes it possible to carry out such measurements, but it is not publicly available, and therefore the Broca and Quetelet formulas are still relevant.
Before you start “sculpting” your ideal figure, it’s worth finding out your body weight norm and several formulas that describe how to correctly calculate your weight. Most of them take into account age, gender and height. These criteria are individual for each person, although with the same indicators people may look different. It all depends on the volume of the figure, in which there is more fat or muscle. There is more than one way to calculate your weight norm. The information below will help you study them and choose the one that suits you.
Weight norm for women
To determine a woman's normal weight, it is important to note that it will vary for a specific body type. There are three of them:
- Hypersthenic. A man of average or slightly shorter height, with a broad chest, short arms and legs, and big bones.
- Normosthenic. A person with average length of arms and legs, width of the chest.
- Asthenic. A tall person, has long legs, a narrow chest, slender, as if “stretched” upward.
Each body type will have its own optimal weight. It is impossible to give an exact figure. We can only describe the criteria by which the norm is determined:
- potential risks of developing diseases do not appear;
- there is no moment of comparing oneself with other people in relation to the figure;
- there are no obstacles to the usual rhythm of life, opportunities are not limited, especially movement.
Even such criteria may not be enough to determine the norm. In this case, you should use a special table that defines the relationship between body weight (hereinafter referred to as “BW”) and height (hereinafter referred to as “P”):
Optimal weight for a man
The same body types are typical for men. You can determine it with a very simple test - you need to measure the circumference of the wrist of your working hand. In hypersthenics it is 18.5 centimeters or more. For normosthenics, this value varies from 16 to 18.5. For asthenics, the wrist circumference is always less than 16 cm. The ideal weight for men is reflected in the form of a scale, which is presented in a table. The dependencies here are the same as in the case for women.
How to calculate your ideal weight
The formula for body weight may vary. In one version, how much a person has grown is taken into account, in another - age, and in the third - volumes. The result is approximately the same result. Although most instructions describing how to correctly calculate your weight allow you to quickly determine the range in which the mass of a healthy person is located. They also determine the interval when problems already appear. The result, in any case, is the number of kilograms that you need to strive for, because it has a lower risk of developing diseases.
How to calculate weight by height
The main way to calculate ideal weight is to use a person’s height as the main indicator. This method is popular due to the fact that it is very simple and also takes into account your body type. Normal weight for a certain height is calculated as follows:
- for asthenic type – P(cm)-110;
- with the normosthenic type – P(cm)-103;
- for the hypersthenic type – P(cm)-100.
How to calculate the correct weight based on age
The next method of calculating your weight (B) is also very simple. Only in it two values are used as the main variables - height and age. There is a reason for using this method. Some weight gain over the years is considered normal. In this case, the extra pounds may not be “extra.” Short notations are used in the calculations. The result will be optimal body weight. The calculation of the ideal weight taking into account age is carried out as follows:
50 + 0.75 * (P – 150) + (B – 20) / 4.
Ideal weight formula
There are other options for how to correctly calculate your weight. Most of them also take into account height and age. Depending on them, some amendments are introduced. Another criterion used is a special coefficient - body mass index, or BMI. Thanks to this indicator, conclusions are drawn about the onset of obesity or, conversely, anorexia. Study the information below and choose which formula for calculating your ideal weight is right for you.
Quetelet index
The first instruction just uses the person’s body mass index. The calculation is carried out for persons aged 18 to 65 years, i.e. for adults. To find BMI, you need to make the following calculation - MT / (P^2). The notation “^2” indicates that the value is squared. Next, you can evaluate your condition based on your BMI value:
- anorexia (urgently see a doctor) -
- insufficient - 17.5-18.5;
- norm - 19-23 (if 18-25 years old);
- norm - 20-26 (from 25 years old);
- above normal - 23-27.5 (if 18-25 years old);
- overweight - 26-28 (from 25 years old);
- initial stage of obesity - 27.5-30 (18-25 years) or 28-31 (over 25 years);
- second degree of obesity - 30-35 (18-25 years old) or 31-36 (over 25 years old);
- third degree of obesity - 35-40 (18-25 years old) or 36-41 (over 25 years old);
- fourth degree of obesity - > 40 (18-25 years old) or 41 (for people over 25).
Weight by body volume
If your figure is normal by other methods, but you notice some plumpness, try using the waist-to-hip ratio. Using them you can check not how much you need to weigh, but what the proportions should be. To do this, the waist circumference (WC) is measured at the level of the navel. You will also need hip volume (HV). As a result, for girls the standard will be a value in the range of 0.65-0.85, and for men - 0.85-1.0. The calculation itself looks like this:
- OK(cm)/OB(cm).
Ideal weight according to Dukan
The famous nutritionist Dukan also has his own formula. He calculates the optimal mass similarly to Quetelet’s method. Individual calculation concerns the duration of each stage of the diet - attack, cruise and consolidation. It is calculated in combination with a person's age, gender, height, kilograms and daily physical activity. It is impossible to give a specific type of calculation here, because it depends on many factors.
To calculate the correct weight according to Dukan, you need to go to the official website of a nutritionist. Although such a calculator can be found on the Internet by simply asking the appropriate query in a search engine. Next, all you have to do is enter your parameters and click the “calculate” button. The calculator will give you results, including your optimal weight, BMI, the number of extra pounds and the duration of each stage of weight loss.
Broca's formula
Ideal weight based on body type is calculated using Brock's method. Determining your body type by wrist has already been described above. Next, you can begin the calculation itself. Its algorithm is like this:
- If you are under 40 years old – P(cm)-110. If you are older - P (cm)-100.
- The resulting number must be adjusted. For the asthenic type, 1/10 of the calculated value is subtracted; for the hypersthenic type, 1/10, on the contrary, is added.
McCallum formula
One of the best ways to correctly calculate your ideal wrist weight is the John McCallum method. He used wrist circumference as a criterion. It serves as the basis for calculating the remaining averaged parameters of the figure. Therefore, it is not the optimal mass that is determined here, but the proportions to which it is worth striving. The girth of each part is determined as follows:
- 6.5% of wrist circumference = chest circumference (BC);
- 85% OG = buttock volume;
- 70% OG = waist circumference;
- 53% TG = volume of one hip;
- 37% OG = neck circumference;
- 36% OG = biceps volume;
- 34% OG = circumference of one shin;
- 29% OG = forearm volume.
Lorentz formula
One of the simplest is the Lorentz weight formula. Moreover, it is suitable exclusively for women. The designations remain the same. The calculation is as follows:
- (P(cm) – 100) – (P(cm) - 150)/2.
Online weight calculator
Modern technologies make it possible to calculate your ideal weight online. To do this, you just need to open your browser and go to the search engine page. Next, you need to enter the appropriate request. The result is that you will receive a list of links that you need to follow. You can choose a calculator for calories, optimal weight, body volume, etc.
There are a variety of options for such calculators. Some take into account only height, while for others the calculation will depend on age. The BMI calculator stands out separately. You can even find out your body type online. There are options taking into account gender or lifestyle. If you want to lose weight or gain kilograms, then the basal metabolic rate calculator is suitable for you. It's simply a calorie counter that calculates your daily calorie intake based on your lifestyle.
Video: How to find out your correct weight
Ideal weight is an average standard that is calculated based on data from a large number of people. But all people are different. Lifestyle, food culture, nationality and body type - all this influences ideal weight. For example, the normal weight of people with a strong physique will be 2-3% higher than that of people with an average build. And the norm for thin people is 3-5% less. Therefore, it is not necessary to strive specifically for the ideal weight, which shows weight calculator. It is quite enough if your weight falls within the calculated range.
Besides weight calculator calculates BMI- body mass index (ideal weight), which is widely used to determine the degree of correspondence between body weight and height.
How to calculate your ideal weight (BMI) yourself
BMI = M: P 2, where
M – body weight in kg
P – height in meters
Example of calculating body mass index: M (weight) – 78 kg, P (height) – 1.68 m
BMI = 78: 1.68 2 = 27.6
From the table below you can see that a BMI of -27.6 corresponds to overweight.
Interpretation table for BMI indicators
In case of a strong deviation from the norm, it is time to seriously think about correcting your weight. With reduced weight, dystrophy develops. In the modern civilized world, its cause is usually deliberate malnutrition. The desire to have an unnaturally slim figure can result in problems with both mental and physical health - decreased ability to work, dry skin, and hair loss. All this comes from a lack of substances necessary for the body.
However, their excessive excess also does not lead to anything good. A huge number of people suffer from obesity. Excess weight greatly increases the risk of kidney and gallstones, joint deformation, impotence, myocardial infarction and many other diseases. The entire body works under overload, moving masses of fat in space that are not provided for by the design of the human body. It is not surprising that the life expectancy of obese people is on average 6-8 years less than that of others.
Let's imagine a picture: we wake up in the morning, take a shower, and have breakfast. And when the time comes to put on your favorite jeans, we realize with horror that we cannot button them - our stomach is in the way. We crawl under the sofa, find dusty bathroom scales, stand on them and... A familiar story, right?
Whatever number is displayed on the scale, frustration and depression are achieved - you can’t wear jeans now. What to do? You can just score. Throw your pants in the trash or push them into the farthest corner of the chest of drawers - let them lie there until better times. Or you can go the other way - lose a couple of extra pounds - maybe the trousers will fit.
The second option is more difficult - you need to do something, spend time, make efforts. However, we clench our will and decide to lose weight. But before starting, one more question arises - what to strive for, how many kilograms you need to lose in order to feel completely good: so that your pants fit, and you can breathe easier, and so that you won’t be ashamed to go to the beach in the summer. We are thinking and trying to figure out how to calculate our ideal weight?
It turns out that ideal (correct) weight is an abstract concept, and it means the average value obtained on the basis of a set of given physiological parameters of a person, such as height, age, gender characteristics, and body features. But the state of health, level of physical activity, percentage of fat mass in relation to muscle mass and other individual indicators of an individual person are not taken into account here.
This means that it will not be possible to find the exact value of your weight using known formulas. However, we will get an approximate guideline that you can rely on when losing or gaining body weight.
The most famous types of weight calculation using formulas:
- Calculation of weight by height
- Calculation of weight by age and height
- Weight calculation by BMI (body mass index)
Calculate weight by height
A simple method better known as Brocca's formula. A simplified version looks like this:
- For women: Ideal weight = Height (cm) - 110
- For men: Ideal weight = Height (cm) - 100
Example: the normal weight of a man with a height of 180 cm is 80 kg, and a woman with a height of 170 cm is 60 kg
The modern version of the same formula looks a little different, but is considered more accurate:
- For women: Ideal weight = (Height (cm) - 110)*1.15
- For men: Ideal weight = (Height (cm) - 100)*1.15
Example: the normal weight of a man with a height of 180 cm is 92 kg, and a woman with a height of 170 cm is 69 kg
Calculate weight by age and height
The following weight determination method is not a calculation formula. This is a ready-made table with which you can calculate the correct weight by age. And if the previous version gives an approximate norm of human body weight, then the Egorov-Levitsky table, as it is also called, displays the maximum permissible weight value, exceeding which is considered unacceptable for a given height and age group.
All you need is to know your height, age and current weight. Look for the intersection of these parameters in the table and understand how far you are from the maximum permissible value. If the number in the table is higher than your existing weight, good, if lower, there is reason to think about the gym and dietary restrictions.
Example: A woman with a height of 170 cm, 35 years old, weight 75 kg. The intersection of the table shows a maximum weight value of 75.8. The woman is one step away from this value. Therefore, close control of body weight is necessary, otherwise it is possible to go beyond the permissible limits.
Calculate weight using BMI (Quetelet body mass index)
table for calculating optimal weight using Quetelet body mass index
Using the Body Mass Index, you can find out in what predetermined range a person’s current weight is: deficit, normal or obese (all BMI values are shown in the table).
BMI is calculated using a formula that takes into account the initial values of height in meters and weight in kilograms. The formula looks like this: KMT = weight in kilograms: (height in meters * height in meters).
Example: a man with a height of 185 cm (1.85 m) and a weight of 88 kg will have a BMI = 88: (1.85 * 1.85) = 27.7. We look for the value in the table and understand that the index is in the range of Overweight (pre-obesity).
An important point: calculating the correct weight according to BMI does not take into account gender and age-related changes in the body.
Conclusion
It is important to remember, no matter which method of calculating the correct weight you choose, the result of the calculations should not be taken as the absolute truth. All figures will be approximate and indicative. And these calculations still won’t fit your jeans. So, put dumbbells in your hands, put your feet in sneakers, put a lock on the refrigerator and go ahead - towards the result.
As Socrates said:
« If someone is looking for health, ask him first if he is ready to part with all the causes of his illness in the future, only then can you help him.”
This statement can fully be attributed to such a problem as excess weight.
After all, as I already said in the article, 98% of people have this problem solely because of an incorrect lifestyle and do not always have the desire to change it.
And people sometimes treat excess weight calmly, although the list of diseases that we may have due to the excess weight is quite impressive, I won’t repeat myself, I talked about it
But maybe the whole point is that many people simply don’t know where the border is, where you are still normal, and where you should be start thinking and this applies, by the way, not just excess weight. Very often, girls and women who do not have problems with excess weight are in excellent shape, but, nevertheless, the thought that they need lose some more weight.
Therefore it is important to knowwhat should be a normal weight humans, because we simply need a certain amount of adipose tissue. ABOUT na is a person’s energy reserve,participates in the formation of hormones, vitamins, protects a person from hypothermia in winter and overheating in summer.
How to calculate normal weight
IN There are currently many different calculations to determine normal weight. Of course, they are all conditional, since they do not take into account many factorsthis is the person’s gender and age, as well as the percentagefat and musculoskeletal tissue. N oh, nevertheless, with the help of them you can races with read your normal weight.You just need to know thatany method of calculation is notSuitable for teenagers up to 18 years old, seniors(over 65 years old) , athletes, pregnant and lactating women.
Calculation of normal weight using a formula based on a person’s height
I always knew this formula: growth minus 100 - the result is normal weight. For example, growing up T 1.7 m - 100 = 70 kg. But it turns out that this formula does not suit literally everyone; here you need to take into account your physiqueand make adjustments for age.
There are 3 main body types and depending on the type, the ideal weight is calculated.
Asthenic type (small build) -the figure is elongated, i.e. longitudinal dimensions prevail over transverse ones:long limbs, thin bones, thin neck, underdeveloped muscles. People with this body type are not prone to being overweight.With this body type, the formula for normal weight is:
height in cm - 110
Normosthenic type (average build) -the body is proportional in size, muscle tissue is well developed,very often people with this type have an ideal beautiful figure.Normal weight is calculated as follows:
height in cm - 103
Hypersthenic type (large build) - in people of this typethe transverse dimensions of the body are larger than those of normosthenics:wide and heavy bones, wide hips and chest, short legs.People of this type tend to be overweight. Normal weight formula:
height in cm - 100
If there are any doubts about what type you belong to, then you can measure the circumference of the wrist of your working hand in its thinnest place: for asthenics it is less than 16 cm, for normosthenics - from 16 to 18.5 cm, for hypersthenics - more than 18.5 cm.
It is allowed to adjust the calculated indicators depending on age: minus 5 - 10% of the calculated weight is allowed for people from 18 to 50 years old, people over 50 years old are allowed plus 5 - 7%.
Calculation of body mass index (BMI) according to Ketle
Body mass index is a measure of a person's height and weight. This method of calculation most popularand is calculated by the formula:
your weight in kg divided by your height in meters squared
For example, height 1.7 m, weight 75 kg, calculate the index - 75 / (1.7 2) = 25.95 and look for this indicator in the table.
| Types of body weight |
BMI (kg/m 2 ) |
|
Underweight |
<18,5 |
|
Normal body weight |
18,5 — 24,9 |
|
25,0 — 29,9 |
|
|
Obesity I degree |
<30,0 — 34,9 |
|
Obesity II degree |
<35,0 — 39,9 |
|
Obesity III degree |
>= 40 |
Knowing the value of the coefficients, you can calculate normal weight indicators corresponding to your height. For example, we calculate the minimum and maximum limits of normal weight. For example, height again takes 1.7 m: the minimum limit is (1.7 2) * 18.5 = 53.5 kg; maximum limit - (1.7 2) * 24.9 = 72 kg
It must be borne in mind that this formula is suitable for people of average height: men - 168 - 188 cm, and women - 154 - 174 cm. If the height is lower, then we reduce the calculated weight by 10%, and if higher, then we increase it by 10%. .
Of course, this indicator does not take into account body types, gender and age, but due to the minimum and maximum limits, you can evaluate all factors and determine your normal weight.
Calculation of normal weight by ratio of waist circumference to height
It is considered ideal when your waist size is equal to half your height. But for a more accurate diagnosis you need to calculate the coefficient:
waist size in cm divided by height in cm
For example, 90 cm / 170 cm = 0.52 and compare with the standards.
| Types of body weight |
coefficient |
| Dystrophy |
<0,35 |
| Severe thinness |
0,35 - 0,42 |
| Thinness |
0,43 - 0,46 |
| Normal body weight |
0,47 - 0,49 |
| Excess body weight (pre-obesity) |
0,50 - 0,54 |
| Obesity |
0,55 - 0,58 |
| Severe obesity |
0.59 and > |
Calculation of normal weight taking into account age
Calculation formula:
body weight = 50 + 0.75 * (height – 150) + (age – 20) / 4
For example, height 170 cm, age 53 years
50 + 0.75 * (170-150) + (53-20) / 4 = 50 + 0.75 * 20 + 33 / 4 = 50+15 + 8.25 = 73.25 kg
Bottom line: at the age of 53 with a height of 170 cm, a weight of 73 kg will be considered normal.
Although this indicator also does not take into account body types and gender of a person, it does take into account age. Although it is believed that the ideal weight is the one we had at the age of 18 and it is advisable to maintain it for life, but the same life makes its own adjustments. Experts say that every 10 years the body's energy consumption decreases by about 10% and, accordingly, every 10 years we add about 10% (5 - 7 kg).
If you've maintained your 18-year-old weight, that's great, of course, but If you have moved away from the ideal over the past 10 - 20 or more years, you should not strive to return to it at any cost.Use these calculation methods, determine for yourself your normal,comfortable for yourselfweight and strive for it already.
Of course, these are not all calculation methods, there are others, and now there are many online calculators on the Internet. But, no matter what calculation method you use, remember thatif necessary in weight loss, then do it you need to be careful, without harming your body,after all, rapid weight loss will remove not only fat, but also muscle mass and water, and this can be harmful to your health.
Take care of yourself and your loved ones and be healthy!
P.S. Pay attention to the tips Galina Grossman, she just recommends comfortable ways to lose weight.
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