How to Estimate the Ideal Body Weight for Amputees
Instructions
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Check with your doctor to determine the standard ideal weight for a person of your height and build. Or, consult a chart (like the one in the Resources section) for average ideal body weight ranges for the average person of your height and build.
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2
Determine the approximate weight reduction for your amputation. According to the National Amputee Centre, an arm represents 6.5 percent of the body's weight (on average), a lower arm 2.2 percent, an upper arm 3.5 percent, a hand .84 percent, a lower leg 7.1 percent and a full leg, 18.7 percent.
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3
Multiply the applicable percent reduction by your ideal body weight. For example, a person with an ideal body weight of 180 pounds with a full leg amputation will multiply 180 by .187, which results in a 33.66-pound reduction.
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Subtract the weight reduction from the standard ideal body weight to determine your ideal body weight. In the example above, this would be 180 minus 33.66, or about 146 pounds.
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