Calculate Ideal Body Weight, IBW Range, Body Mass Index,

and Waist Hip Circumference Activity

Content Warning: This assignment has the potential to be incredibly triggering for some, as it
discusses how to determine “ideal” body weight, Body Mass Index, BMI classifications and body shape
(apple vs. pear). Specific standardized weights are stated, calculated, and referenced. Your mental,
emotional and physical wellbeing is our number one priority and for that reason, if this content would
be triggering or cause you distress, please contact your instructor for an alternate assignment. In class,
we will discuss together the limits of these equations, when they are and are not appropriate to use and
provide a framework for learning and talking about weight in a way that is inclusive to all. Please see
your course shell for resources to the BGSU counseling center if you feel you need emotional support.

Ideal Body Weight

Ideal body weight (IBW) and body mass index (BMI) are used to estimate criteria for normal weight
ranges. While the ideal body weight equations are quick and simple, application of ideal body weight
does have some limitations. For example, no single ideal weight can be used to apply to all people,
especially considering the wide range of comorbidities across all ages and ethnicities. Most clinicians
prefer to use a body weight range, rather than a single weight, because ideal body weight may be
underestimated for those who are a shorter stature and overestimated for those who are taller. Some
researchers have found that many ideal body weight equation methods are incompatible with
calculations used to establish BMI. For these reasons, IBW equations have largely been replaced by BMI
ranges.

1. Steps to calculate IBW and IBW range

 Convert feet and inches to all inches
 There are 12 inches in each foot.
 Example: 5 foot 6 inches is equal to (12 inches x5 feet) + 6 inches= 66 inches

2. Use the Hamwi Theory to estimate IBW.

If you are in transition or have undergone gender affirmation surgery, either take the average
of the two equations if your transition is underway, or use the equation that matches your
gender affirmation surgery. Working with a Registered Dietitian will help predict the closest
“ideal” for you as we recognize that each person is different!

Equation for IBW:

Male Formula:
IBW (lb) = 106+ [6(Ht -60 inches)]

106 + [6 (____________- 60 inches)]

Example: Male who is 5 foot 11 inches is 71 inches tall

IBW = 106 +[6(71-60)]
 106 + [6(11)]
106 +66= 172 pounds

Equation for IBW:

Female Formula:
IBW (lb)= 100 + [5(Ht-60 inches)]

100 + [5 (__________- 60 inches)]

Example: Female who is 5 foot 7 inches tall is 67 inches tall

IBW= 100 + [5 (67-60)]
100 + [5(7)]
100 +35= 135 pounds

3. Equation to Calculate IBW Range

Calculate using +/- 10% for small or large frame.

IBW x.1 =
IBW + 10% =
IBW – 10% =

Example IBW is 166 pounds

166x .1= 16.6 *you will add and subtract this number from your IBW to get a lower IBW and
Upper IBW range
IBW range is 166 -16.6= 149
166 + 16.6= 183
149-183 pounds
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Assignment begins here:
Directions: Complete the following problems by calculating the IBW and IBW range using the Hamwi
Theory. Remember there is a gender difference when using IBW formulas. (Show your work for partial
credit):

1. Male 5 foot 10 inches

IBW: 166
IBW range: 149-183

2. Male 6 foot 2 inches

IBW: 190
IBW range: 171-209
3. Female 5 foot 2 inches
IBW: 110
IBW range: 99-121

4. Female 5 foot 5 inches

IBW: 125
IBW Range: 113-138

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Calculate BMI and Apply to “Norms”

Body Mass Index (BMI) is an anthropometric measure used to predict the chance of developing chronic
disease by comparing a person’s ratio of height to weight. While the BMI measure may not be accurate
for those who have a larger than typical amount of muscle mass, it is a commonly used predictive
equation because it is a simple, speedy, and non-invasive method for predicting disease risk. For this
reason, the BMI ratio is applicable to a large proportion of the population.

BMI Formula
Step 1: Convert Weight in pounds to kilograms (kg)

_________________pounds divided by 2.2kg = ________________________ kilograms

Step 2: Convert height in inches to meters (m)

______________inches divided by 39.37m = ________________________ meters

Step 3: Square height in meters

_________________________m X ____________________m = _______________meters squared (m 2)

Weight in kg
Step 4: Formula: ______________________ _____________________ = ____________ kg/m 2
Height in meters squared

Practice Example: (BMI is NOT gender specific)

220 pounds, 65 inches

Step 1: Convert pounds to kilograms

220 pounds/2.2 pounds per kg= 100kg
Step 2: Convert inches to meters
65 inches/ 39.37 inches per meter= 1.65 meters
Step 3: Square meters
1.65x 1.65= 2.72 meters squared
Step 4: Plug in numbers to formula BMI= wt in kg/meters squared
100kg/2.72 m2 = 36.76 kg per meters squared
Step 5. Interpret BMI by using the chart below:
BMI of 36.76 classifies person at obese class II

Compare to the norms:

BMI kg/m2 Classification
</= 18.4 Underweight
18.5-24.9 Within normal limits
25-29.9 Overweight
30-35.9 Obese Class I
36-39.9 Obese Class II
>40 Obese Class III

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Assignment begins here:
Directions: Calculate BMI in the following problems:
(Show your work for partial credit).

1. 90 pounds, 65 inches
BMI 15 kg/m2
Classification: underweight

90 lbs / 2.2 lbs/kg = 40.9 kg

65 in / 39.37 in/m = 1.65 m
1.65 m x 1.65 m = 2.72 m2
40.9 kg / 2.72 m2 = 15.0 kg/m2

2. 145 pounds, 69 inches

BMI 21.5 kg/m2
Classification: within normal limits

145 lbs / 2.2 lbs/kg = 65.9 kg

69 in / 39.37 in/m = 1.75 m
1.75 m x 1.75 m = 3.06 m2
65.9 kg / 3.06 m2 = 21.5 kg/m2
3. 150 pounds, 62 inches
BMI 27.7 kg/m2
Classification: overweight

150 lbs / 2.2 lbs/kg = 68.2 kg

62 in / 39.37 in/m = 1.57 m
1.57 m x 1.57 m = 2.46 m2
68.2 kg / 2.46 m2 = 27.7 kg/m2

4. 415 pounds, 70 inches

BMI 59.5 kg/m2
Classification: obese class III

415 lbs / 2.2 lbs/kg = 188.6 kg

70 in / 39.37 in/m = 1.78 m
1.78 m x 1.78 m = 3.17 m2
188.6 kg / 3.17 m2 = 59.5 kg/m2

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Determine if Apple-Shaped or Pear-Shaped Body

https://www.caloriesecrets.net/how-to-get-rid-of-pear-shaped-body/

Steps for determining apple or pear body shape (At no time will you be asked to take your own
measurements. However, we have included instructions to show you how, if you are interested).

1. Measure waist circumference: the subject must stand upright and place a soft
measuring tape around the waistline as indicated in the image to the right. The
tape should be snug around the waist, but not should not press into the skin. The
number is found just after a normal breath out.
*This test should not be performed on pregnant females.

2. Measure hip circumference: The subject must stand upright and place a soft
measuring tape around the top of the hip bones. The tape should be snug around
the hips, but not should not press into the skin.

3. Calculate:
Waist circumference in inches
_________________________
Hip circumference in inches
4. Compare findings to the “norms”: </= 1.0 (pear) or > 1.0 (apple)

5. Interpretation: If the Waist to Hip ratio is greater than 1.0, then the subject has an apple shaped
body. This means that the risk for developing type 2 diabetes or heart disease are increased.
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Assignment begins here
Directions: Calculate Waist to Hip Ratio and apply to risk of developing chronic disease for the
following problems. Interpretation state whether apple/pear and their risk for developing Type 2
diabetes and heart disease. (Show your work for partial credit)
1. Waist 32 inches
Hips 34 inches
Ratio: 0.94
Interpretation: pear
32 in / 34 in = 0.94

2. Waist 24 inches
Hips 27 inches
Ratio: 0.88
Interpretation: pear
24 in / 27 in = 0.88

3. Waist 44 inches
Hips 41 inches
Ratio: 1.07
Interpretation: apple
44 in / 41 in = 1.07

4. Waist 57 inches
Hips 55 inches
Ratio: 1.04
Interpretation: apple
57 in / 55 in = 1.04

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