Average American Weight

Studies show that the average height of an adult American has increased by about one inch over last fifty years, but a whopping 25 pounds increase in the average weight has been noticed over the same time period. Take a look at the charts presented in this WellnessKeen article.

According to the reports published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the average body mass index (BMI) has increased among American adults from approximately 25 in 1960 to 28 in 2002. BMI is a weight-for-height formula used to measure obesity. Study reports show that the average American man’s (20-74 years old) height has increased from 5’8″ to 5’9½”, while that of a woman of the same age has increased from 5’3″ to 5’4″. But in the meantime, the male weight (aged 20-74 years) has increased dramatically from 166.3 pounds to 191 pounds, and the female weight (of the same age) has increased from 140.2 pounds to 164.3 pounds.

Facts about Average Weight of Men

• The average weight of American male aged 20 – 39 years has increased by nearly 20 pounds over the last four decades.
• A whopping 27 pounds increase (age group 40-49) was noticed in 2002 compared to 1960.
• About 28 pounds increase (age group 50-59) was noticed in 2002 compared to 1960.
• Again, a whopping 33 pounds increase (age group 60-74) was noticed in 2002 compared to 1960.
• The average weight has increased more for older men than for younger men.

Facts about Average Weight of American Women

• About 29 pounds increase in average weight of American female (age group 20-29) was noticed in 2002 compared to 1960.
• About 25½ pounds increase (age group 40-49) was noticed in 2002 compared to 1960.
• About 17½ pounds increase (age group 60-74) was noticed in 2002 compared to 1960.
• So, you can see the opposite trend in women, as the increase is greater for younger women than for older women.
• The average American woman is 5’4″ tall, and weighs 140 pounds.
• A model is 5’11” tall and weighs 117 pounds.
• About 80% of American women say that they’re dissatisfied with their looks.
• On any given day, almost half of the women in the United States are on a diet.
• During 2001 – 2003, the average female weight was 153 pounds.
• In 2006, it was 159 pounds. These figures are enough to represent the abnormal increase in average American weight by year.

According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, the average U.S. woman is 5′ 3.7″ (162 centimeters) tall, and weighs 152 pounds (69 kilograms). This is with respect to a Body Mass Index of 26.3 kilograms/meters², which is slightly less than the man’s. On an average, U.S. male stands 5′ 9.1″ tall and weighs 180 pounds, with a Body Mass Index of 26.5 kg/m². Maintaining right weight for height helps prevent obesity-related diseases and disorders. It should be noted that there cannot be one fixed weight, as it can vary according to age, gender, and height. With the help of BMI formula, it is easy to evaluate an individual’s weight status in relation to height.

Average Weight of Men

Average Weight of Women

Statistics show that Americans spend over forty billion dollars a year on dieting, and diet related products. Still, various study reports reveal the fact that an average American weighs 17 pounds more than ‘ideal’. Regular exercise and balanced diet can help improve the numbers.