Ideal Body Weight
The Devine formula — a reference point, not a target to chase.
How is ideal body weight calculated?
The Devine formula was developed in 1974 as a quick reference for medication dosing, not as a personal weight goal — it estimates a baseline figure from height alone: 50kg plus 2.3kg for every inch over 5 feet for men, and 45.5kg plus 2.3kg per inch over 5 feet for women. It's become a widely cited general reference point since, but it says nothing about muscle mass, frame size, or what's actually healthy for a specific person — a healthy BMI range or simply how you feel and perform are usually more meaningful day-to-day guides than this single number.
Frequently asked questions
What is the Devine formula?
A formula originally developed in 1974 for medication dosing reference, now widely cited as a general ideal-weight estimate: 50kg + 2.3kg per inch over 5 feet for men, 45.5kg + 2.3kg per inch over 5 feet for women.
Is ideal body weight the same as a healthy weight?
Not exactly — "ideal body weight" formulas were originally built for clinical reference (like drug dosing), not as a personal target. A healthy weight range from BMI, or simply how you feel and perform, is usually more useful day to day than chasing one number.
Does ideal body weight account for muscle mass?
No — it's based purely on height and sex, so a muscular or larger-framed person will naturally sit above the formula's number without that meaning anything is wrong.
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