Body Weight - What's Normal? / Question
Published: January 15, 2000
Dear TeenHealthFX,
I would like to know a list of average weights and heights for teens. For example, what is the average weight and height for a 13 year old or a fifteen year old.
Signed: Appropriate Height & Weight
Dear Appropriate Height & Weight,
This is a very popular question and one that has been asked in many different ways. Everyone wants to know if they are overweight, underweight or just right. Well, the answer is simple - EVERYONE'S DIFFERENT! This means what might be the right weight for one person may be completely different for another person.
In the 1970's and 1980's, it became very popular to use height/weight charts; however, this has changed and they are not used by the medical community to decide if someone is right or wrong in regards to weight and height. Insurance companies using a population that is not representative of our entire society designed these charts and they are not good indicators of appropriate weights and heights, especially for teenagers.
Because of this, health care providers recommend using the Body Mass Index or BMI. BMI has become the medical standard used to determine if a person may be at a health risk due to weight. Using this simple calculator below, take a minute to find out your BMI:
Please note: If you are exactly 5 feet or 6 feet tall, put a 0 in the inches box or the BMI calculator will not be able to accurately figure your BMI.
By doing this calculation, you will come up with a number that is your BMI. Healthful BMI's are between 19 to 24. If you have a BMI over 24 or under 19, you should see a doctor or a nutritionist to discuss your nutrition and weight.
It is very important to remember that for athletes and teenagers, both BMI and weight-for-height charts do not provide information on your growing body, body composition and the distribution of fat and muscle. During your teenage years, your body is changing drastically and you will go through growth spurts. Growth spurts can give you an inaccurate BMI because you may have had a weight gain and your height may have not caught up yet.
Try not to be overly concerned about your weight. Eat healthy and exercise 3 to 4 times per week and your body will take care of itself. If you are still curious to learn about average weights and heights for yourself or you are not satisfied with how you look, talk to your doctor.
Signed: TeenHealthFX
Among young people ages 12-17, prescription drugs have become the second most abused illegal drug, behind marijuana.
