Ideal Weight: 5 Mistakes to Avoid
Gives an ideal-weight estimate and the healthy weight range for your height. The maths is not complicated, but a handful of errors come up again and again in this and related health & fitness calculations. Here is what to watch for.
Programmes such as the National Steps Challenge and the Healthy 365 app have made tracking activity common. Turning those numbers into distance, pace or calories helps set realistic goals for events like IPPT or a 10 km run.
Any health calculator gives a general estimate. If a result worries you, or you are pregnant, managing a chronic condition or planning a big change in diet or exercise, speak to a doctor, polyclinic or dietitian.
1. Ignoring hydration in hot weather
Outdoor activity in Singapore's climate increases fluid loss.
2. Measuring inconsistently
Tape measurements change with posture and breathing; measure the same way each time.
3. Mixing units
Entering pounds or inches into a metric formula gives nonsense results.
4. Relying on a single measurement
Weight and heart rate fluctuate daily; trends tell you more.
5. Using international BMI cut-offs for Asians
HPB recommends lower cut-offs because risks rise at lower BMIs in Asian populations.
The correct method
Devine: 50 kg (men) or 45.5 kg (women) + 2.3 kg per inch above 5 feet.
For example, with these inputs:
- Sex: Male
- Height (cm): 170
the calculator returns:
- Ideal weight (Devine): 65.94 kg
- Healthy range for Asians (BMI 18.5–22.9): 53.46 kg (lower)
- Upper healthy weight: 66.18 kg
Related calculations
- Daily Water Intake Calculator: A rough guide to daily fluid needs in Singapore's hot, humid climate.
- Calorie Deficit Calculator: Sets a daily calorie target for steady weight loss.
- Pregnancy Due Date Calculator: Estimates your due date using Naegele's rule.
- Ovulation Calculator: Estimates ovulation and the fertile window.
The Ideal Weight Calculator applies the formula consistently, so it is a quick way to double-check your own working.
Run your own numbers: Ideal Weight Calculator