Ideal body weight (IBW) is often used in anesthesia to estimate drug clearances. IBW is based purely on height. In obese patients, traditional drug dosing by total body weight can result in higher doses than necessary if IBW is not taken into account.

Devine method[1]

Calculate LBW: Body composition calculations

  1. McCarron, Margaret M.; Devine, Ben J. (1974-11). "Clinical Pharmacy: Case Studies: Case Number 25 Gentamicin Therapy". Drug Intelligence & Clinical Pharmacy. 8 (11): 650–655. doi:10.1177/106002807400801104. ISSN 0012-6578. Check date values in: |date= (help)