1. What is Ideal Body Weight?

Ideal Body Weight (IBW) is an estimate of healthy weight based on height and gender. For pediatric patients, it provides a reference point for assessing growth and nutritional status.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the following formulas:

Where:

• \( H_{in} \) — Height in inches
• 50 kg — Base weight for boys at 60 inches (5 feet)
• 45.5 kg — Base weight for girls at 60 inches (5 feet)
• 2.3 kg — Weight added per inch over 60 inches

Explanation: The formula adjusts weight based on height from a standard reference point of 5 feet (60 inches).

3. Importance of IBW Calculation

Details: IBW is used for nutritional assessment, medication dosing, and determining appropriate weight goals in pediatric patients.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter height in inches (convert from feet/inches if needed: 1 foot = 12 inches) and select gender. Height must be greater than 0.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Why different formulas for boys and girls?
A: Boys typically have more muscle mass than girls at the same height, so the formulas account for this physiological difference.

Q2: What if my patient is shorter than 60 inches?
A: The formula still works - it will subtract 2.3 kg for each inch below 60 inches.

Q3: Are there other IBW formulas?
A: Yes, some formulas use different base weights or adjust for frame size, but this is the most commonly used pediatric version.

Q4: How accurate is IBW?
A: It's an estimate - actual healthy weight can vary based on body composition, muscle mass, and other factors.

Q5: Should IBW be used for obese patients?
A: For obese patients, adjusted body weight may be more appropriate for certain calculations like medication dosing.