How to find your ideal weight. 5 calculation methods and formulas

It is believed that the ideal weight is the one you had at 18 years old. It is advisable to keep it for life. But if you have moved away from the ideal over the past 15–20 or more years, you should not strive to return to it at any cost. After all, every 10 years of life, the body’s energy expenditure decreases by about 10%. Accordingly, every 10 years we add approximately 10% (5–7 kg): first from that very ideal weight, later from the one we have. And you should lose fat carefully, focusing on the same 10%, only within a year. In addition, it is better to no longer strive for an eighteen-year-old weight, but to calculate your new ideal using one of the medical formulas.

Brocca's formula

Ideal weight for men = (height in centimeters – 100) · 1.15.

Ideal weight for women = (height in centimeters – 110) · 1.15.

Example: Ideal weight for a woman 170 cm tall = (170 – 110) · 1.15 = 69 kg.

Surely this formula will remind many of the old “height minus 100” for men and “height minus 110” for women. This is truly an improved version of that old formula. The fact is that the previous version required everyone to be fitness models and did not take into account either age or body type. Therefore, neither people with heavy bones and large muscles, nor women with clearly defined hips and breasts could fit into it at all. Therefore, scientists have reworked the old Brocca formula, and in its current form it looks quite realistic.

Ideal figures for women according to men

They say that men's perception of a woman's figure is very different from women's. And we are certainly far from the ideals promoted by modern gloss, the fitness industry and other sources, which tell us that without shelf-shaped buttocks, broad athletic shoulders, and also breasts of at least size 4, we are not beautiful.

All sources unanimously claim that the male eye evaluates the ratio of waist and hips, or more precisely, the absence of fat folds at this very waist. That is, if the smoothness of the lines and the difference between the narrowest and widest parts of the body are present, the girl is ideal. In practice, there are a variety of options. Some people find the “dry”, almost stage form attractive. Some people like more luscious figures, while others even like soft women with a small tummy.

Scientists never tire of repeating that sexual attractiveness is associated with health. That is, the ideal girl should not have a high percentage of fat, a huge belly, and too full hips, all of which are associated with ill health. The condition of the skin, hair, and nails plays a similarly important role. That is why it is believed that self-care and fitness are important components of the image of a successful and attractive woman.

And other sources claim that sexual attractiveness has nothing to do with body parameters, and can be assessed at the level of... smells. Everyone has their own attractive aroma, or the smell of their own pheromones, and men literally “love with their nose.” Be that as it may, the absence of unhealthy fat deposits prolongs life and makes it better, so it's not just about sexual attractiveness.

Lorenz's dream

A woman’s ideal weight = (height in centimeters – 100) – (height in centimeters – 150) / 2.

Example: Ideal weight for a woman 165 cm tall = (165 – 100) – (165 – 150) / 2 = 65 – 15/2 = 57.5. Ideal weight – 57.5 kg!

Please note that this formula was developed only for women and is in no way suitable for the stronger sex. At first glance, it is too demanding on weight compared to the improved Brocca formula and rather indicates exactly the ideal weight when you were eighteen years old. However, it is completely consistent with the body mass index (BMI), so it is quite possible to use it. If you are upset by the proposed numbers, then just forget about it and use another formula. By the way, it still won’t suit women taller than 175 cm.

Answers on questions

What specific weight is ideal for me?

The calculator calculates the ideal weight range for you based on your height. From this range you are free to choose any specific weight, depending on your preferences, beliefs and requirements for your figure. For example, adherents of a model figure tend to keep their weight at the lower limit.

If your priority is health and healthy life expectancy, then your ideal weight is calculated based on medical statistics. In this case, the optimal weight is calculated based on a BMI of 23.

Can the assessment received be trusted?

Yes. Adult weight estimates are based on the results of authoritative studies from the World Health Organization (WHO). The weight of children and adolescents from birth to 18 years of age is assessed using a separate special method, also developed by WHO.

Why is gender not taken into account?

BMI assessment of adults is carried out in the same way for both men and women - this is justified by the results of statistical studies. At the same time, when assessing the weight of children and adolescents, gender and age are of fundamental importance.

Some other weight calculator gives a different result. What to believe?

There are a huge number of calculators designed to give weight estimates based on height and gender. But their formulas, as a rule, were developed in the last century by individuals or teams based on criteria that are unknown to you or do not suit you (for example, formulas for evaluating athletes).

The WHO recommendations used in this calculator were developed for ordinary modern people, taking into account the conditions of modern life, medical advances and based on recent observations of the population of all continents of the planet. Therefore, we trust only this technique.

I believe the result should be different.

The assessment is made solely on the basis of the height and weight data you provide (as well as age and gender for children). If you receive unexpected results, please double-check all entered data. Also, make sure that you are not one of the women whose weight cannot be assessed through body mass index.

My result is underweight, but I want to lose more weight

There is nothing unusual in this; many professional models, dancers, and ballerinas do just that. However, in this case, it is recommended to lose weight only under the supervision of a nutritionist and endocrinologist, so as not to harm your health.

Please note that most people's bodies are not able to fully function in a state of underweight. And only a few, due to the characteristics of genetics (or disease, ecology, lifestyle) can live comfortably with a deficit of body weight: without risk to health and without experiencing malaise, dizziness and constant hunger

My result is normal, but I consider myself fat (or thin)

If you have concerns about your figure, we recommend taking up fitness after consulting with a good nutritionist.

Please note that some elements of the figure are practically impossible to correct only with the help of fitness, exercise, diet, or a combination of these. Your goals should be analyzed by an experienced doctor to assess their reality, consequences and prescribe only the right procedures

My result is pre-obesity (or obesity), but I don’t agree with it

If you are an athlete (or an amateur weightlifter) with increased muscle mass, then weight assessment by BMI is simply not intended for you (this is mentioned in). In any case, for an accurate individual weight assessment, contact a nutritionist - only in this case will you receive an authoritative result with a doctor’s seal.

Why am I considered too thin or fat even though my weight is normal?

Pay attention to the personalities and weight of the people who bother you. As a rule, they judge solely by themselves: subjectively

Overweight people always consider thin people to be skinny, and thin people always consider overweight people to be fat, moreover, both of them can have a weight within the healthy norm. Take into account social factors: try to exclude, suppress or ignore those judgments addressed to you that are based on ignorance, envy or personal hostility. Only an objective assessment of BMI, which clearly indicates the norm, excess or deficiency of mass, is worthy of trust; and trust your concerns about your figure only to supportive people in your weight category, or better yet, to an experienced nutritionist.

How to calculate body mass index (BMI)?

It is necessary to divide the weight indicated in kilograms by the square of the height indicated in meters. For example, with a height of 178 cm and a weight of 69 kg, the calculation will be as follows: BMI = 69 / (1.78 * 1.78) = 21.78

Egorov-Levitsky table

This method does not have a single author, and no formulas are required either. You just need to find out your height, weigh yourself and compare the data with the table. Please note that this is not the ideal weight, but the maximum!

Maximum permissible body weight

Example: A 45-year-old woman weighs 76 kg with a height of 170 cm. This is not much at all, it is less than the maximum permissible!

The medical compilers took into account everything possible: gender, age, height. Only the lower weight limit was not limited. But this is understandable - the table helps to find out whether you are overweight, and not whether it is underweight. In our opinion, the most comprehensive and balanced approach to ideal weight.

Girl's body types

You cannot measure all women to the same standard. In addition to their internal individuality, representatives of the fair sex are distinguished by their physique features. Something can be corrected with the help of sports, nutrition or plastic surgery. But there are three constant body types from which general proportionality is based.

• Ectomorph.

A girl with this body type is fragile and sophisticated. The fat layer is minimized. Arms and legs are thin. The waist is aspen. Height is high. It is difficult for her to gain muscle mass, since weight gain is not observed due to accelerated metabolic processes. An ectomorph girl shows others her thin wrists and fingers. Often the hip bones and collarbones protrude into relief. She cannot boast of large breasts and firm buttocks. A skinny woman is good with sports and can be particularly resilient, but not when it comes to strength training. A typical representative of ectomorphs is Keira Knightley.

• Mesomorph. Body sizes for this type have an ideal ratio. Well-developed leg muscles, rounded hips and broad shoulders are harmonized by the waist. She is not wasp, but without excess fat. A girl with such proportions looks athletic. With moderate physical activity, the body becomes feminine and sculpted. Freely builds muscle mass, but can just as easily gain a couple of extra pounds

For a mesomorph, it is important not only to exercise regularly, but also to eat right. A striking example of such a physique is Halle Berry. • Endomorph

This type includes all girls who have crossed the mesomorph line in weight and volume. Their metabolism is slow. Fat is actively concentrated in the hips, buttocks, waist and arms. A distinctive feature is an expressive bust. Growth is predominantly low. Endomorphs easily gain muscle mass, which is hidden under fat reserves, if you do not include aerobic exercise and dietary restrictions. This category includes not only girls who are clearly overweight. But also those who have an idealized proportion of 90-60-90, with a tummy, extra pounds in the hips. A typical example among famous personalities is Marilyn Monroe. The actress was not overweight, but she did not hide her curvy figure

• Endomorph.

This type includes all girls who have crossed the mesomorph line in weight and volume. Their metabolism is slow. Fat is actively concentrated in the hips, buttocks, waist and arms. A distinctive feature is an expressive bust. Growth is predominantly low. Endomorphs easily gain muscle mass, which is hidden under fat reserves, if you do not include aerobic exercise and dietary restrictions. This category includes not only girls who are clearly overweight. But also those who have an idealized proportion of 90-60-90, with a tummy, extra pounds in the hips. A typical example among famous personalities is Marilyn Monroe. The actress was not overweight, but she did not hide her curvy figure.

Photo. Endomorph body type: Marilyn Monroe

It is impossible to distribute all women in the world between the three above-mentioned types. One hundred percent agreement on all characteristics is rare. Therefore, there is such a thing as a mixed body type. The girl combines the principles of two prevailing types.

Quetelet index

Index = weight in grams / height in centimeters.

This is also a method to estimate your existing weight, close to the BMI method described above. No wonder they have the same author. Here, the result obtained should also be compared with the table, however, in this option, physique is also taken into account. It can be determined very simply: stand in front of a mirror, pull in your stomach as much as possible and place two rulers or just your palms on the two lower ribs. They form an angle. If it is rather blunt (more than 90 degrees), you have a large build. If almost straight, the physique is normal. If the angle is acute, the physique is considered thin.

Example: Weight-height index of a 45-year-old woman weighing 70 kg with a height of 160 cm, large build = 70,000 / 160 = 437.5. This is a normal weight for her. And if she were 6 years younger or had a different body type, she would be considered too fat!

This formula commands respect because it takes into account many factors: age and body type. It can be used at any height, you just need to be honest with yourself when assessing your body type. In any case, moving 5–10 points closer to the upper limit of the table index is a reason to adjust your diet and move more.

The ratio of height and leg length

This parameter is well known to the modeling business; there are even entire tables for determining beauty depending on the length of the legs. It is generally believed that a beautiful girl should have long legs and a narrow waist.

The table shows the relationship between height and leg length.

Quetelet calculation or body mass index (BMI)

Body mass index (BMI): weight in kilograms / (height in meters x height in meters).

This formula evaluates the existing weight and indicates in which direction it should be changed. Recall that to square a number you simply multiply it by itself. Compare the result with the table.

Example: BMI of a woman 170 cm tall and weighing 72 kg = 72 / 1.7. 1.7 = 24.9. She is overweight, she is still far from obesity, but she needs to at least not gain kilograms, and even better, lose 3-4 kg.

When comparing your weight with BMI, you need to know some features that, as a rule, are not mentioned anywhere. This formula is correct for people of average height (men - 168-188 cm and women 154-174 cm). For those who are shorter, the ideal weight is 10% lower than the “formula” weight, and for those who are tall, it is 10% higher. In addition, this formula may “lie” when assessing those who exercise five or more times a week. The undeniable advantage of BMI is that it does not indicate a mythical ideal, but estimates real weight and height.

Formulas for ideal female body proportions

Man is designed in such a way that he tries to calculate everything inexplicable. Scientists never tire of coming up with formulas, criteria, and some parameters to describe beauty. And poets and artists simply admire ideal female bodies at all times. In fact, any science gives in to practice here, because the parameters for assessing the beauty of the body. Some girl’s legs with the same parameter in centimeters will look longer due to the fact that the waist is located higher. Some are slimmer due to the smoothed hip line. And for some, nature has given them chic posture, rounded shoulders and a straight spine.

Formulas for ideal proportions should be taken as advisory information that can be taken into account, but you should not get hung up on it. A figure can be beautiful if the percentage of fat is adequate, the muscles are developed and the girl takes care of herself.

In fitness, we proceed not only from the aesthetic body types that were discussed above, but also from the so-called physiological ones. They characterize how a woman looks depending on her metabolic rate, body fat percentage, and rate of muscle growth.

There are three types of female body types:

Mesomorph

These are natural athletes. If such a girl does not exercise, but simply adheres to the rules of a minimal healthy diet, she looks like a regular at a sports club. She will naturally have defined abs, slender legs, good posture and a defined waist. It may be difficult for her to achieve the elegance of model forms, but the trend for them is fading, and no one is particularly worried about this. These girls can prepare for a fitness bikini in six months, and it is they who are most often thought to be using illegal drugs. But in reality, they can simply exercise regularly and follow an athlete's diet. If a mesomorph gets better, something really serious has happened, like a long period of inactivity due to a career change, or pregnancy and childbirth. Mesomorphs lose weight quickly, especially if they engage in physical activity. Those who do not train are advised to start as soon as possible. The main bonus of a mesomorph is his muscles;

Ectomorph

These are delicate, naturally thin girls. In the past, such people had no problems at all, because the fashion was for an extremely thin, model-like female figure. Such girls “look like a million” even now, but their existence is slightly overshadowed by the fact that it is extremely difficult for them to pump up their buttocks, which have recently become a trend. Training an ectomorph involves heavy weights, good technique, which is extremely difficult to achieve with long limbs, and a constant high-calorie diet. Oddly enough, such girls are afraid to gain weight and lose their natural beauty. That is why they most often do not gain anything in the gym - poor nutrition affects athletic performance. But ectomorphs are good at cyclic sports and gymnastics. They also almost never gain weight if they abuse food, and are quite active by nature. Therefore, in ordinary life, those who are far from fitness consider them to be “witches”. An ectomorph can “kill” his metabolism in only one way - using drugs and alcohol, plus lack of sleep. This is precisely what caused the collapse of the great models of the past, and this is why it is better for an ectomorph to lead a healthy lifestyle,

Endomorph

The main sufferers of the modern world. This is a girl who by nature has a large frame, good ability to build muscle, but also an impressive layer of fat. As soon as modern culture does not mock such girls. However, the endomorphic type is not an obstacle to athleticism. For example, you can look at a photo of Brittany Diamond online - a girl who does extreme strength training, is quite large by nature and weighs more than 80 kg, but at the same time she is fit, has a beautifully developed shoulder girdle, a defined waist and sculpted buttocks. So it’s clearly not worth justifying yourself with a slow metabolism and the fact that fat sticks faster than muscles. The main task of an endomorph is to establish a regular training regimen and nutrition.

IDEALS OF FEMALE FIGURES IN DIFFERENT COUNTRIES OF THE WORLD

Body type is important for determining weight standards

Parental genes determine in a child not only the color of hair, eyes, face shape, height, but also the structure of the skeleton, on which the classification of female or male physique is based. There are 3 types:

• Thin bone (asthenic type of skeleton). From a young age, signs of thinness and a long body are observed, and the length of the legs predominates over the total length of the entire body. The shoulders and hips are narrow, the limbs are elongated, and the neck is also long. The chest is of medium size. Bones are quite fragile because nutrients and vitamins are spent on building the length of the bone skeleton, rather than its density. Metabolism is accelerated, which avoids the problem of excess weight if there are no other pathological reasons other than poor nutrition or physical inactivity. The height of girls or women with an asthenic figure is in most cases above average.
• Normal bone (normosthenic). It is considered ideal because the proportions are observed both in the length of the legs in relation to the entire body, and in the width of the hips, shoulders, waist, and chest. Metabolism is normal, but if the diet is violated, there is a predisposition to excess weight. The bones of the skeleton are of medium density. This must be taken into account when determining the ideal parameters for a particular woman.
• Wide and heavy bone (hypersthenic type of skeleton). Women with this body type will never be able to achieve the same weight as those of the first or second type, because their bones naturally weigh more and are larger in width in the hips, chest and shoulder girdle. The metabolism is slow, which causes problems in absorbing even fewer calories in comparison with representatives of asthenic and normosthenic physique.
• Externally, representatives of a hypersthenic figure are distinguished by massive shoulders, chest, and hips. The neck and legs are quite short. The upper part of the body prevails over the lower in proportions. The gait is heavy. In this case, the formula for determining the norm by weight and height will not be correct, because the severity of the bone skeleton will not be taken into account. Trying to achieve this ideal, you can drive yourself to exhaustion and receive a serious blow to your health.

To determine her natural body type, a woman needs to pay attention to the size of her wrist. This area of ​​the human body is not prone to the formation of fat deposits and gives more correct measurements when measured than the height-to-weight ratio in women

What do the numbers indicate when measuring wrist circumference:

• 160 mm or less - belonging to an asthenic body type;
• 160–185 mm – belonging to a normal body type;
• 185 mm or more - belonging to the hypersthenic body type.

Considering the considered classification by body type, it can be understood that women with different constitutions with the same height and age cannot set the same weight ideals for themselves, because bone density will affect this value. For example, with a height of 168 cm, a weight of 68 kg will be the norm for the first and second body types, but for a woman with wide bones this value may be 2-3 kg higher.

How to measure height correctly

The morning hours immediately after waking up are reserved for this procedure. It is incorrect to take measurements at any other time, because the result will be erroneous. During the day, a person is in a sitting or standing position. This puts stress on the intervertebral discs, compressing them. Thus, by the evening several centimeters are lost.

Growth at home is measured in the following sequence:

1. You need to stand barefoot on the bare floor.
2. Lean your back against a wall or door, standing at full height.
3. Bring your heels together.
4. Align your back and legs at the knees so that the back of your head, chest, buttocks, calves and heels are pressed against the flat surface of the wall.
5. Keeping your head straight and looking forward, place a book on your head so that it presses your hair and touches the wall.
6. Mark the lowest point of contact of the book with the wall with a pencil.

7. Measure the distance from the floor to the point with a tape measure.

The effect of weight on health

Doctors often warn about the harmful effects of excess weight on health, which has been confirmed by many years of observations.
Its excess leads to the following diseases:

• hypertension;
• diabetes;
• atherosclerosis;
• arthritis or arthrosis;
• stroke;
• heart attack;
• colorectal or breast cancer.

In addition, studies have shown that excess weight affects life expectancy. It is highest in people with a BMI approaching 26.

All of these diseases can lead to serious consequences, because... Excessive obesity increases the load on the cardiovascular system, joints and pancreas.

Being underweight is also harmful. Often it is a symptom of a disease or excessive stress, an irrational diet.

Excess body weight can cause many health problems.

Low weight causes decreased immunity, endocrinological problems, deterioration of reproductive function, and psychological disorders. People who are underweight may experience kidney prolapse, gout, or urolithiasis. People who are underweight are constantly cold because their body's ability to maintain a constant body temperature is impaired.

The goal of achieving an ideal weight

To prevent health problems, you need to maintain your body weight within established limits.

For girls, not only health is important, but also aesthetic satisfaction from their own appearance, the approval of others, and the absence of social discrimination.

BMI ranges

The normal weight for a girl with a height of 150 cm will be no lower than 42 kg and no higher than 56 kg, which corresponds to the index value of the established norm.

Index ranges:

• Critically low BMI weight
• Underweight 16>BMI
• Normal weight 18.5>BMI
• Overweight 25>BMI
• Obesity 30>BMI
• Critical obesity 35>BMI.

You can find out whether a girl’s weight is normal for her height by determining her BMI and checking it with the range table.
Only two parameters are used in calculating the index. The following factors are not taken into account:

• Gender of a person.
• His age.
• Differences in body types.
• Correspondence of a person's height to his age.
• Engage in sports that significantly affect muscle growth and fat burning in the body.

Measurement methods

In fact, weight can be measured as the reaction force of the support to the mass appearing at the point of application. The magnitude of the occurrence of this force is equal in value to the desired P. It can be determined using spring scales. Since the force of gravity that causes a deflection to be recorded on the scale may vary from place to place, the values ​​will also vary. For standardization, this type of measuring instrument is always calibrated to 9.80665 m/s2 in the factory and then re-calibrated at the location where it will be used.

A lever mechanism is used to measure mass . Since any change in gravity will affect known and unknown masses equally, the balance method allows the result to be the same values ​​anywhere on Earth. The weighting coefficients in this case are calibrated and marked in units of mass, so the balancing lever allows you to find the mass by comparing the effect of gravity on the desired object with the effect on the standard.

In the absence of a gravitational field far from large astronomical bodies, the balance of the lever will not work, but, for example, on the Moon it will show the same values ​​as on Earth. Some such instruments may be labeled in units of weight, but since they are calibrated at the factory for standard gravity, they will indicate P for the conditions for which they are set.

This means that a lever scale is not designed to measure the local force of gravity acting on an object. The exact weight can be determined by calculation by multiplying the mass by the value of local gravity from the corresponding tables.