Average weight of men and women in the U.S. and how it has changed over time

By Lizzie Streit, MS, RDN, LD

It comes as no surprise that the average weight of Americans has increased over time. As a result, the prevalence of overweight and obesity is much higher today than it was before the 1980s.

Being overweight or obese can contribute to health problems, including an increased risk for many of the chronic diseases that plague Americans. Learn more about the average weight in America in this post.

Average Weight and Body Mass Index

Recent data from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) suggests that the average weight of men in the US is 199.8 pounds. The average weight for women is 170.8 pounds.

To put this in perspective, it’s important to consider body mass index (BMI). BMI, or weight in kilograms divided by height in meters squared, is often used to measure overweight and obesity.

Here are the ranges of BMI:

·       18.5 to 24.9: normal weight

·       25 to 29.9: overweight

·       30+: obesity

Based on BMI, more than 70% of US adults are considered overweight or obese. The average BMI in the US is 26.6 for adult men and 26.5 for adult women.

Starting in the 1980s, there has been a steady increase in the percent of adults who are overweight or obese. The percent of men with obesity jumped from 13 to 21 percent between 1980 and 1991, while the percent of women with obesity jumped from 17 to 26 percent. This trend has continued for 30 years into the current decade.

Risks of Excess Weight

Being overweight or obese is a risk factor for certain health issues. Compared to those with a normal weight, people who are overweight or obese are at a greater risk of developing the following conditions:

·       High blood pressure

·       Type 2 diabetes

·       Heart disease

·       Stroke

·       Liver disease

·       Sleep apnea

·       Certain types of cancer, including endometrial, liver, kidney, pancreatic, and colon cancer

·       Arthritis and joint pain

·       Depression and anxiety

There may be a variety of mechanisms through which excess fat contributes to disease development. For example, fat cells secrete substances that contribute to chronic inflammation, a state that is associated with certain diseases. Having too much fat may also impact insulin resistance, blood lipid levels, blood pressure, reproduction, and other bodily processes.

Tips for Managing Weight

Considering that the majority of American adults are overweight or obese, and that excess weight is linked to many health problems, maintaining a healthy weight is incredibly important.

While some people believe that you need to lose all of your excess weight to reap benefits, research suggests otherwise. Losing just 5% of total body weight can be very beneficial for those who are overweight or obese and can help prevent associated health problems.

Making diet and lifestyle changes, like implementing meal prep or signing up for a healthy meal delivery service, can be helpful for losing weight. For more tips on making changes for weight loss, read the other posts on our blog.

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