Practice Consideration
Ideal Body Weight (Pediatric Energy Estimation Formulas)
There are three pediatric-specific methods for calculating ideal body weight.(1,2,5) They are known as BMI, Moore and McLaren. Research applying each of the three methods in healthy populations has produced consistent results.(2) However, for adolescents and those in the higher percentiles, there are considerable discrepancies depending on the method chosen.(2) No one method is preferred. Using the same method consistently is advised.(1,3,4)
The methods commonly used to calculate a child's ideal body weight include:
BMI Method(1)
Ideal body weight equal to the weight at the 50th percentile for BMI-for-age (BMI at 50th percentile for age × height in m2)
Calculation
Mark the 50th percentile BMI for the child's current age
Multiply BMI by the child’s height in meters and then multiply again by height in meters, that is m2
Moore Method(2)
Ideal body weight is equal to weight at the same percentile ranking as the child's height for age
Calculation
First, plot the child's height-for-age percentile, such as height at 25th percentile
Now determine their weight at the same percentile ranking, such as weight at 25th percentile
McLaren Method(5)
Compares weight and height in relation to age
Calculation
First, plot the child's height for age
Then extend the line horizontally to the 50th percentile height-for-age line
Once you have marked that point, extend a vertical line to the corresponding 50th percentile weight
The methods commonly used to calculate a child's ideal body weight include:
BMI Method(1)
Ideal body weight equal to the weight at the 50th percentile for BMI-for-age (BMI at 50th percentile for age × height in m2)
Calculation
Mark the 50th percentile BMI for the child's current age
Multiply BMI by the child’s height in meters and then multiply again by height in meters, that is m2
Moore Method(2)
Ideal body weight is equal to weight at the same percentile ranking as the child's height for age
Calculation
First, plot the child's height-for-age percentile, such as height at 25th percentile
Now determine their weight at the same percentile ranking, such as weight at 25th percentile
McLaren Method(5)
Compares weight and height in relation to age
Calculation
First, plot the child's height for age
Then extend the line horizontally to the 50th percentile height-for-age line
Once you have marked that point, extend a vertical line to the corresponding 50th percentile weight
Updated September 26, 2017
Ideal Body Weight (Pediatric Energy Estimation Formulas)
References
1. Kuczmarski RJ, Ogden CL, Grummer-Strawn LM, et al. C.D.C. Growth Charts: United States. Adv Data. 2010; 8: 1-27.
2. Moore DJ, Durie PR, Forstner GG, et al. The assessment of nutritional status in children. Nutr Res. 1985; 5: 797-799.
3. McLaren DS, Read WWC. Classification of nutritional status in early childhood. Lancet. 1972; 2: 146-148.
4. World Health Organization. World Health Organization Child Growth Standards. Geneva, Switzerland; 2006.
5. de Onis M, Onyango AW, Borghi E, et al. Development of a WHO growth reference for school-aged children and adolescents.
Bulletin World Health Organization. 2007; 85: 660-667.
1. Kuczmarski RJ, Ogden CL, Grummer-Strawn LM, et al. C.D.C. Growth Charts: United States. Adv Data. 2010; 8: 1-27.
2. Moore DJ, Durie PR, Forstner GG, et al. The assessment of nutritional status in children. Nutr Res. 1985; 5: 797-799.
3. McLaren DS, Read WWC. Classification of nutritional status in early childhood. Lancet. 1972; 2: 146-148.
4. World Health Organization. World Health Organization Child Growth Standards. Geneva, Switzerland; 2006.
5. de Onis M, Onyango AW, Borghi E, et al. Development of a WHO growth reference for school-aged children and adolescents.
Bulletin World Health Organization. 2007; 85: 660-667.