What Is Ideal Weight?
Ideal weight is the body weight at which statistically the lowest health risks exist. It's not a fixed value but a range, depending on height, gender, age, body frame, and muscle mass.
Throughout history, various formulas have been developed to calculate ideal weight. Each has its strengths and weaknesses.
Method 1: BMI-Based
The most modern and widely used method derives ideal weight from BMI. Normal weight lies between BMI 18.5 and 25.0.
Formula: Ideal weight = BMI target x Height (m)^2
Example at 1.75 m and BMI 22 (middle of normal range): 22 x 1.75^2 = 67.4 kg
Advantage: Internationally recognized, easy to calculate. Disadvantage: Doesn't consider gender, age, or body type.
Method 2: Broca Formula
The oldest and simplest formula, developed in 1871 by French physician Paul Broca.
Formula: Normal weight = Height (cm) - 100
Ideal weight men: Normal weight - 10%
Ideal weight women: Normal weight - 15%
Example man, 180 cm: Normal weight = 80 kg, Ideal weight = 72 kg
Advantage: Very simple. Disadvantage: Inaccurate for very tall or short people, outdated.
Method 3: Creff Formula
A refinement of the Broca formula that considers age and body type.
Formula: Ideal weight = (Height (cm) - 100 + Age/10) x 0.9 x Body type factor
Body type factors: Slim = 0.9, Normal = 1.0, Stocky = 1.1
Advantage: Considers more factors. Disadvantage: Body type is subjective.
Method 4: Hamwi Formula
Particularly widespread in the USA, developed in 1964.
Men: 48 kg for the first 152 cm + 2.7 kg per additional 2.5 cm
Women: 45 kg for the first 152 cm + 2.2 kg per additional 2.5 cm
Method 5: Waist-to-Height Ratio
The ratio of waist circumference to height. Target: below 0.5. When your waist circumference is less than half your height, your weight is optimal from a health perspective.
Which Method Is Best?
No single formula is perfect. The most meaningful approach is combining a BMI-based ideal weight range with waist circumference measurement. Ideal weight is always a range, not a fixed value.