What Is the Average Weight for Women?

While it's possible to be healthy at any size, it's important to know whether your current weight is right for you. Whether you suspect that you are overweight or underweight, you can use this information to minimize your risk of chronic health conditions like type 2 diabetes and heart disease.

To determine a healthy weight for yourself, knowing the average weight of women based on factors like age and height can often serve as a baseline comparison. However, just because a certain range is an average does not necessarily mean that it's the right target weight for you. This number is best decided with input from a healthcare provider. Here is what you need to know about the average weight for women.

Average Weight for Adult Women

The number on a scale is not always the best indicator in determining whether or not you are at a healthy weight for you. Other factors, such as your body mass index (BMI), can give some additional insight into your weight.

Your BMI score takes into account your height as well as your weight and is measured on a scale that includes the following categories underweight, normal weight, overweight, and obesity. This BMI calculator can give you an estimate. You also can look at charts to help give you some additional insight.

U.S. Averages

According to the National Center for Health Statistics, the average weight of adult women aged 20 years and older in the U.S. is 170.6 pounds with an average height of about 5 feet, 4 inches tall. In addition, the average waist circumference is 38.6 inches and BMI is 29.2, which falls within the overweight range.

These statistics are from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) conducted from 2015-2016. The national average is up from 168.5 pounds as noted in the previous survey (2011-2014). The chart below shows the average weight for adult women in the U.S. according to different age groups.

Global Averages

When both men and women are factored into the equation, the adult population of North America has a higher average BMI than the rest of the world. One study notes that 73.9% of people in North America are considered overweight, compared to 34.7% of the world population. Here's a closer look at the average weight for adult women in different regions of the world.

Average Weight for Girls

As with adults, the average weight for girls does not necessarily correlate to the range considered to be healthy. According to the CDC, one in five children falls within the obesity category, which is evident in the national averages listed below. Here are the average weights at each age for girls.

Averages Over Time

How has the average weight and body composition of adults in the U.S. changed over the years? Measurements of BMI, weight, height, and even head circumference have been taken since the 1960s.

For instance, one research report published in 1966 stated that "American men range in average weight from 146 pounds at 62 inches in height to 190 pounds at 73 inches; while for American women this average progresses from 129 pounds at 58 inches to 157 pounds at 67 inches."

Knowing the average weight for women and younger girls can help you determine your healthy or ideal weight. While the average weight for women in any country can tell you a lot about weight trends, it should not be used as the only gauge for assessing your current weight and overall health. There are several individual factors that will play a role in your ideal target weight.

Remember that you can be healthy at any size, especially if you prioritize healthy lifestyle factors such as following a balanced diet filled with nutrient-dense, whole foods, and getting regular exercise.

If you're concerned about whether you might be overweight or underweight, talk to your healthcare provider. They may refer you to a registered dietitian or nutritionist or recommend that you work with a personal trainer to help you meet your health goals.