A Simple Field Procedure for Estimating Ideal Body Weight in Males

Abstract

The purpose of the study was to develop a simple field procedure for estimating ideal body weight. The statistical relationship between weight loss and girth measurements was analyzed in 40 male subjects. It was established that a decrease in total body weight was highly correlated (r = .842) with a decrease in abdominal girth while chest girth remained relatively stable. A regression equation was formulated to predict weight loss necessary to achieve ideal body weight corresponding to 15% of body fat or less on the basis of the chest abdominal girth relationship. The equation was as follows: (kg to lose) = .457 + .758 (Δ cm) where Δ cm are the missing centimeters required to achieve a positive difference of 12 cm between the chest and abdominal girths. The equation was employed on 40 other male subjects whose body density had been determined earlier by the hydrostatic procedure. Statistical analyses between the mean ideal body weight computed on the basis of 15% body fat and by the regression equation for these subjects revealed no significant difference. Data analyses of independent studies have also indicated that a 12 cm difference between chest and abdominal girth was associated with approximately 15% of body fat or less. It was suggested that in a field situation, the regression equation could prove a useful tool in predicting ideal body weight.