Nutrition
Adjusted and ideal body weight: when to use each in clinic
Calculating protein on current weight for clients with obesity overestimates the requirement. Here is when to use adjusted or ideal body weight.
In clients with significant obesity, prescribing protein or calories over current weight overestimates real requirements, because metabolically active mass does not scale 1:1 with fat mass. This is where ideal and adjusted body weight come in.
Ideal body weight
It is the weight that would correspond to a target BMI (typically 22-25 kg/m²) based on the client height. Useful as a reference, but often underestimates real needs in people with long-standing obesity.
Adjusted body weight
Combines current and ideal weight using a classic formula: adjusted weight = ideal weight + 0.25 × (current weight - ideal weight). It is the standard for prescribing protein and calories in clients with BMI over 30.
When to use each
- BMI < 30: use current weight.
- BMI 30-40: use adjusted weight for protein; calories via standard TDEE with moderate deficit.
- BMI > 40: adjusted weight for protein; conservative deficit and clinical evaluation for calories.
- Pediatrics and athletes: use current weight and specific body-composition metrics.
Frequently asked questions
Which formula for ideal body weight?
For practical purposes, ideal weight = 22.5 × height² (meters) works well for healthy adults.
How often should I recalculate?
Whenever real weight changes by 5-7%, or at least every 4 weeks in actively followed clients.
About the author
Equipo Almendra
Editorial · Almendra
The Almendra editorial team brings together nutritionists, engineers, and product managers writing about how to run a modern nutrition practice.
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