What is the formula to calculate optimal body weight?

The formula to calculate optimal body weight is derived from the understanding that total body weight is the sum of fat-free weight and fat mass. In this context, fat-free weight represents the weight of all body components except fat, which includes muscle, bones, organs, and water.

To find the optimal body weight given a certain percentage of body fat, it is essential to consider that the fat mass constitutes the remaining fraction of the total weight. The correct formulation takes into account the relationship between fat-free weight and the desired percentage of body fat.

Using fat-free weight divided by the complement of the optimal percentage of body fat allows you to determine what the total body weight should be to maintain that specific level of body fat. This is because the optimal body weight is structured as follows:

1. The portion that is fat-free weight (which you already have).

2. The portion that represents fat mass, which can be calculated from the overall desired percentage of body fat.

By dividing the fat-free weight by (1 - optimal % fat), you accurately account for both the fat-free mass and the fat mass in the final total. This formula effectively assumes that the total body weight is a combination where fat contributes to the overall weight when you want to maintain