​Calculating Your Frame Size

It's important to know your ideal weight range before embarking on the HCG Protocol so that you can lose the optimum amount. But to determine your ideal weight range, you first must calculate your frame size.

Calculating Your Frame Size

You will need a tape measure, ruler, or a set of calipers to measure your elbow to determine your frame size.

Extend your arm in front of your body as though you're pointing to a ship out at sea. Bend your elbow up so that you're pointing straight up at the sky, with your forearm at a 90-degree angle to your upper arm and to the floor. Point your fingers straight up, and turn the inside of your wrist so that it's facing your body. Use the forefinger and thumb of your other hand to locate the prominent bones on each side of your elbow. Using the tape measure or ruler, measure the space between your fingers.

Find your sex and height on the chart and compare your elbow measurement to the elbow measurements for a medium frame. If your measurement is smaller than the measurement listed, you have a small frame. If your measurement is larger than the measurements listed, you have a large frame.

Choosing How Much to Lose

Weight charts for men and women serve as a general guideline and offer a range that your weight should ideally fall within for the best level of overall health. The chart is devised by the Metropolitan Life Insurance Company, which calculates ideal weights based on several statistics.

Remember that being underweight is as unhealthy as being obese, and it can lead to malnourishment and a host of related problems. When deciding how much weight you want to lose, refer to the chart as a guideline.