Key takeaways
- The average weight for males varies by age group and region. Over time, the average body weight of people in the United States has risen.
- A moderate weight range may also depend on other factors, such as your height.
- Other body composition measurements, such as the waist-to-hip ratio, may give you a more complete picture of your weight and overall health. Talk with a healthcare professional, such as a primary care doctor, if you need help with weight management.
The average weight for males in the United States ages 20 years and older is
The average waist circumference is 40.5 inches, and the average height is 5 feet 7.5 inches (69 inches).
Keep reading to learn more about the average weight for males by age and height around the world and tips on how to maintain a moderate weight.
When broken down by age group, the average weights for males in the United States are as
| Age (years) | Average weight (lbs) |
|---|---|
| 20 to 29 | 188.6 |
| 30 to 39 | 208.1 |
| 40 to 49 | 206.9 |
| 50 to 59 | 202.5 |
| 60 to 69 | 201.2 |
| 70 to 79 | 193.4 |
| 80 and older | 177.5 |
As time wears on, people in the United States are increasing in both stature and weight.
The average weight of people in the United States and North America is higher than in any other place around the world.
In 2012,
- North America: 177.9 lbs
- Oceania, including Australia: 163.4 lbs
- Europe: 156.1 lbs
- Latin America/Caribbean: 149.7 lbs
- Africa: 133.8 lbs
- Asia: 127.2 lbs
The world average for an adult weight is 136.7 lbs.
A common tool to determine a moderate weight range is the body mass index (BMI). It uses a formula involving your height and weight to provide an estimate of your body fat in relation to your height.
This number is classified into the
| Category | BMI range |
|---|---|
| Severely underweight | less than 16.5 |
| Underweight | 16.5 to 18.4 |
| Moderate weight | 18.5 to 24.9 |
| Overweight | 25 to 29.9 |
| Obesity | • class 1: 30 to 34.9 • class 2: 35 to 39.9 • class 3: 40 or greater |
To calculate your BMI, divide your weight in pounds by your height in inches squared. Multiply that result by 703.
You can also enter this information into the BMI calculator below.
The
| Age (years) | Average BMI |
|---|---|
| 20 to 29 | 27.6 |
| 30 to 39 | 30.3 |
| 40 to 49 | 30.1 |
| 50 to 59 | 29.8 |
| 60 to 69 | 29.9 |
| 70 to 79 | 29.2 |
| 80 and older | 27.6 |
The average BMI for males in the United States is
Average doesn’t always mean ideal, at least in the United States.
A note on BMI
BMI shouldn’t be used alone to determine your moderate weight range because it doesn’t take into account several important factors,
- muscle mass
- age
- genetics
- lifestyle habits
- underlying health conditions
- whether you take medications
If you’re unsure what a moderate weight is for you, speak with a healthcare professional. They could help determine your target weight range.
The BMI isn’t always a perfect tool to gauge whether your weight is in the moderate range.
The following table provided by the
| Height (inches) | Weight (lbs) |
|---|---|
| 58 | 91 to 115 |
| 59 | 94 to 119 |
| 60 | 97 to 123 |
| 61 | 100 to 127 |
| 62 | 104 to 131 |
| 63 | 107 to 135 |
| 64 | 110 to 140 |
| 65 | 114 to 144 |
| 66 | 118 to 148 |
| 67 | 121 to 153 |
| 68 | 125 to 158 |
| 69 | 128 to 162 |
| 70 | 132 to 167 |
| 71 | 136 to 172 |
| 72 | 140 to 177 |
| 73 | 144 to 182 |
| 74 | 148 to 186 |
| 75 | 152 to 192 |
| 76 | 156 to 197 |
In addition to calculating your BMI and measuring your weight by age and height, several other measurements can help give you a more accurate idea of whether or not you have a moderate weight.
These measurements include:
- waist-to-hip ratio
- body fat percentage
- body fat scales
- hydrostatic weighing
- skinfold thickness measurements
- bioelectrical impedance analysis
Maintaining a moderate weight can help prevent a range of problems,
- heart disease
- type 2 diabetes
- high blood pressure (hypertension)
- gallstones
- breathing difficulties
- cancer
Here are some tips to help you maintain a moderate weight:
- get at least 150 minutes of moderate intensity exercise weekly
- eat a well-balanced diet, including lean proteins, fruits, vegetables, and whole grains
- limit your consumption of added sugars, alcohol, and saturated fats
- manage your portion sizes
- keep a food journal to help track what and how much you’re eating
Learn more about healthy, safe, and sustainable tips for weight loss or weight gain.
A moderate weight for a male will depend on many factors, such as height, age, underlying health conditions, genetics, and whether you take any medications.
According to the NHLBI, the moderate weight range for a person who is 5 feet 10 inches tall is 132 to 167 lbs. However, this is only a rough estimate, as it doesn’t include many other factors, such as age, genetics, and underlying health conditions, among others.
This depends on several factors, such as age, height, and lifestyle habits. For instance, an athlete may weigh more than a person of the same height who lives a sedentary lifestyle but be in better physical condition. That’s because muscle is denser than fat, which contributes to a higher weight.
There’s no “normal” weight for a fully grown adult male, as everyone is different. Factors like height, age, and genetics may also influence weight.
The average weight for adult males in the United States is 199.8 lbs, which is at the upper end of overweight according to the BMI scale.
Several different methods are used to determine ideal weight in relation to height. None of them are perfect. You may be just the right weight for your frame, even though another measure may label you as otherwise.
Speak with a doctor if you’re concerned about your weight. They could help you understand where exactly your weight falls on the spectrum and how this may relate to your overall health.