Miller's Formula of calculating the ideal body weight was established in 1983. This was the same time that Dr. Robinson was working on a different formula that was based on Devine Index modification. The Miller's formula is based on the belief that the ideal weight of a man should be 52 kilograms at 52 feet. For every additional foot on top of the 5 feet, an additional 1.9 kilograms should be added. However, the ideal weight for women should be 49 kilograms and 1.7 kilograms added for every five inches more.
Equipment for measurements
The only measurement required is height in feet. You should use a stadiometer to get the correct measurement.
The procedure of calculating ideal body weight
The first thing is getting the right height using a stadiometer. Then, apply the Miller formula outlined below. Note that the formula is different for men and women.
Men: Ideal Body Weight (kg) = 56.2 kg + 1.41 kg per inch over 5 feet.
Women: Ideal Body Weight (kg) = 53.1 kg + 1.36 kg per inch over 5 feet.
Example: What is the ideal body weight of a man who is 5 feet 2 inches tall?
Note: 1 kilogram (kg) = 2.2 pounds (lb), 1 meter = 3.28084 feet
Miller’s formula target population
This formula was targeted at people with average height and age. The results for those who are very short or taller would be out of range.
Pros of Miller Formula
- Calculating ideal body weight is fast and can be done even during emergencies
- It is very easy to calculate, and anybody can do by simply getting the height.
Cons of Miller Formula
- The formula uses only one measurement to establish the ideal body weight. Therefore, it leaves out many things such as current weight and age.
- The formula is only meant for people of average height. If you are very tall or very short, the suggested ideal body weight suggested would be unrealistic.
Final Thought
The miller’s formula use of height only makes it very general and very difficult to use especially in extreme situations. While it is a great way to assess an individual’s IBW, the estimation cannot be considered conclusive because other factors are not factored.
References
1. Pai MP, Paloucek FP, The origin of the "Ideal" body weight equations. Ann Pharmacol 2000; 34:1066-69
2. Stehman CR, Buckley RG, Dos Santos FL, et al, Bedside estimation of patient height for calculating ideal body weight in the emergency department. J Emerg Med 2011;41:97-101
3. Matsuzawa Y, Tokunaga K, Kotani K, Keno Y, Kobayashi T, Tarui S, Simple estimation of ideal body weight from body mass index with the lowest morbidity. Diabetes Res Clin Pract 1990;10(Suppl. 1):S159-64.