The ideal weight of a person depends not on their height but on the size of their skeletal frame, as bone structures differ in both size and density among individuals and between genders. Therefore, it's advisable to determine your body frame size using this calculator before starting a diet plan for weight loss. Body frame size can be assessed using either wrist circumference or elbow breadth (
1✔ ✔Trusted Source
Relations between frame size and body composition and bone mineral status
Go to source).
To measure your wrist circumference, find the point just below your wrist bone, which is the narrowest part of the wrist, and measure it here for the most accurate result (
2✔ ✔Trusted Source
Calculating body frame size
Go to source).
How to Measure Elbow circumference?
Measuring elbow circumference or breadth can be somewhat tricky, especially if you're doing it alone without assistance. Here's how it's typically done:
- Use a flexible measuring tape and you can measure either in centimeters or inches.
- The individual should stand upright, facing the person conducting the measurement.
- The right arm should be stretched forward so that it's perpendicular to the body.
- The forearm is then raised to create a 90-degree angle, with the fingers pointing upwards.
- The person measuring then determines the widest part of the elbow for the measurement (3✔ ✔Trusted Source
Body Measurements (Anthropometry)
Go to source).
Advertisement
How to calculate Body Frame Size using 'Elbow circumference' measurement?
Refer to the height table below and then use the information to determine your frame size. The body frame size is categorized into three groups - small, medium and large. The calculation is fairly simple (
4✔ ✔Trusted Source
Elbow breadth as a measure of frame size for US males and females
Go to source):
Small Frame
if the elbow measurement is lesser than the value given in the table for a given height.
Medium Frame
if the elbow measurement ranges between the values given in the table for a given height.
Large Frame
if the elbow measurement is greater than the value given in the table for a given height.
Implication of Body Frame Size on Health
Frame size is categorized into small, medium, and large and have various implications on health:
- Role of Genetics in Body Shape: Genetics largely determines one's baseline body type and shape, including bone structure, frame size, fat distribution, and metabolism. However, health outcomes can be influenced by lifestyle choices such as maintaining a balanced diet and engaging in regular exercise (5✔ ✔Trusted Source
Genetics of human body size and shape: body proportions and indices
Go to source). - Small Frame Size: Individuals with a smaller frame may have a lower body mass index (BMI) but this doesn't always indicate better health. They might still be at risk for conditions like osteoporosis, especially if they have low bone density.
- Medium Frame Size: Often considered as 'average', this frame size is generally associated with a balanced BMI. Health risks are typically standard and not specifically heightened due to frame size alone.
- Large Frame Size: Those with a larger frame might have a higher BMI, which can sometimes lead to misconceptions about their health status. A larger frame doesn't necessarily equate to obesity or poor health, but it may be associated with a higher risk of certain conditions like cardiovascular diseases or type 2 diabetes, particularly if excess weight is a factor.
- Apple and Pear Body Shapes: Any frame size can have an apple-shaped body, characterized by more fat around the abdomen or pear-shaped body, having more fat around the thighs. apple-shaped body are at a greater risk for heart disease, diabetes, and strokes. Those with a pear-shaped body might have a lower metabolic risk, but they are still at risk of metabolic syndrome (6✔ ✔Trusted Source
Metabolic Syndrome
Go to source).
In all cases, it's important to remember that frame size is just one aspect of health. A balanced diet, regular exercise, and proper medical care are crucial for maintaining good health, regardless of frame size (
7✔ ✔Trusted Source
Maintaining a Healthy Weight
Go to source).
FAQs on Body Frame Size?
1. Can I change my body frame type?
The simple answer is no as it is determined by genetics and is
inherited (8✔ ✔Trusted Source
The Influence of Age and Sex on Genetic Associations with Adult Body Size and Shape: A Large-Scale Genome-Wide Interaction Study
Go to source).
2. Is there an ideal frame size?
There is no "ideal" frame size as such, as frame size varies greatly
among individuals and is largely determined by genetics and bone
structure. What's considered healthy or ideal for one person might not be the same for another.
It's important to understand that different frame sizes can be healthy
and normal. Health assessments, including those related to weight and fitness, should take into account an individual's unique frame size, rather than conforming to a universal standard. This perspective
supports a more personalized and accurate approach to health and
wellness.
3. If I am short will I be of large frame?
No, a short person can be small, medium, or large frame depending on
their bone structure and muscle mass.
4. Can I be tall and still be small frame?
Yes, as frame size depends not only on your height but also on bone
structures and measurements.
5. Between frame size or waist size which has more implications
on my health?
Waist size is a crucial measure for predicting health risks. A waist
size of more than 35 inches in women and more than 40 inches in men is considered risky, indicating excessive visceral fat and making them prone to heart disease and diabetes (9✔ ✔Trusted Source
Assessing Your Weight and Health Risk
Go to source).
6. Why is frame size important?
Frame size can influence optimal weight ranges, nutritional needs,
and health risks, and it plays a role in how individuals respond to
diet and exercise.
7. Does a larger frame mean I am unhealthy?
Not necessarily. People with larger frames can be just as healthy as
those with smaller frames. It's more about overall body composition
and lifestyle factors that determine health.
8. Is frame size considered in BMI calculations?
No, BMI calculations do not take frame size into account, which is why
additional methods of body composition analysis are often recommended for a more accurate health assessment (10✔ ✔Trusted Source
Body mass index (BMI)
Go to source).
Recommended Readings on Frame Size of body
Mini health check up is a quick and simple way to assess your current health status and risks for heart disease, if any. It predicts your life expectancy too.
Here is a simple calculator for you to find out the total body surface area for adults, based on their height and weight, offered by medindia.
Do you wish to know your daily calorie intake? Counting calories is an effective way to prevent obesity. This is the right place for you to calculate the calories in the daily Indian meal.
Are you underweight and want to know how to gain weight? Exercise or workouts can help you gain weight by increasing muscle mass. Read on to learn some exercises and tips to gain weight.
Correct diet and a planned exercise regime is the mantra of healthy and sustainable weight loss.
About 90% women experience weight gain or difficulty maintaining their usual weight after attaining menopause.
Calculate the ideal weight for your height and your body frame using Medindia's precise height and weight by body frame for adults.
Body Fat Calculator estimates your percentage body fat, your body type and the amount of calories you have to burn to lose 1% of your body fat and it uses U.S Navy's Hodgdon-Beckett formula.
Calculate the ideal lean body mass for your height.
India and China, which are epicenters of a booming economy, are now witnessing a steady rise in obesity. Globalization is the prime accused.
Dr. Rajan HandaDEHM,BEMS,MDEH, NDDY, MDAM, Ph.D. Honorary, DNHE, Doctorate of Natural Medicine / DNMA, Executive Therapist
26 years experience
View Profile
The measurement is of wrist or elbow?