How To Determine Your Ideal Body Weight (IBW)Measurement

We are still on anthropometric methods. In this post, we will cover how you can determine your ideal body weight measurements. We will utilize the hamwi method or what is also referred to as the 5 foot rule method.

So, when using this method, you need to know your frame size; whether medium, large or small. Depending on your frame size you can then determine your ideal body weight.

Note that with this method, ideal body weight measurements are taken when the subject has no shoes or clothes.

For males with medium frame size, you allow 106 pounds for the initial 5 feet of height and add 6 pounds for each additional inch. Subtract 2.5 pounds for each inch less than 5 feet. You subtract 10% for a small frame size, while you add 10% for a large frame size.

Example 1: A male with a height of 6 feet 5 inches.

First 5 feet = 106 pounds and for each inch over 5 feet multiply by 6.

= 106 + (6’5’’-5’= 1’5’’)

You convert feet into inches:

1 foot =12 inches, 1’5’’ (12 inches +5 inches=17 inches)

Then you multiply 17 inches by 6 to get 102

 106 (for the first 5 feet) + 102 =208

Ideal body weight = 208 pounds

For a male with similar height but large frame:

(i.) 10% x 208=20.8

(ii.)208 +20.8=228.8

Ideal body weight =228.8 pounds

For a male with similar height but small frame:

(i.)10% x 208= 20.8

(ii.)208-20.8=187.2

Ideal body weight=187.2 pounds

Example 2:

For a male who is 4 feet 5 inches, the ideal body weight is:

(i.)5′-4’5’’=7 inches

(ii.)106 – (7 x 2.5 pounds)= 88.5 pounds

For females with medium frame size, you should allow 100 pounds for the initial 5 feet of height and 5 pounds for each additional inch. Subtract 2.5 pounds for each inch under 5 feet. If small frame size, subtract 10% and add 10% for a large frame size.

Example 1: A female with a height of 5 feet 3 inches.

First 5 feet = 100 pounds and for each inch over 5 feet multiply by 5.

100 (for the first 5 feet) + (3 inches x 5) = 115 pounds

Ideal body weight = 115 pounds

For a female with similar height but large frame size:

(i.)10% x 115=11.5

(ii.)115+11.5=126.5

Ideal body weight=126.5 pounds

For a female with similar height but small frame size:

(i.)10% x 115=11.5

(ii.)115-11.5=103.5

Ideal body weight=103.5 pounds

 Example 2:  

For a female who is 4 feet 8 inches, the ideal body weight is:

(i.)5′-4’8’’=4 inches

(ii.)100- (4 x 2.5 pounds) = 90 pounds

You can use the Hamwi method to calculate your ideal body weight using frame size, height and weight measurements.This method is derived from anthropometric measurements, and you can use it to determine your nutrition status.