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Adjusted body weight is used for drug dosing in obesity, because adipose tissue is metabolically less active but still holds some drug. The convention adds 40% of the excess over ideal weight: at 110 kg against a 70.5 kg ideal, the adjusted figure is 86.3 kg. It applies only when actual weight exceeds ideal weight.
Adjusted body weight
ABW = IBW + 0.4 x (actual weight - IBW)
Applies only when
actual weight exceeds ideal body weight
These figures are population-average estimates, not a medical assessment or diagnosis. Body composition equations carry errors of several percentage points, and healthy ranges vary with age, ethnicity, muscularity and medical history. Discuss weight or body composition goals with a qualified clinician or dietitian.
It approximates the share of extra body mass that is metabolically relevant lean tissue and perfused adipose tissue for most drugs.
It depends on the drug's distribution. Hydrophilic drugs use ideal or adjusted weight; lipophilic ones often use total body weight.