Body differences are dictated by genetics and lifestyle choices, and teenagers especially differ in height and weight because of the many changes in development that occur during this stage of life. Referring to growth charts based on the averages of teens with the same age and sex can help determine your teen's growth rate and recognize any possible abnormal growth patterns in your child's height and weight.
Teen Weight for Height Averages
Using averages, Heightweightchart.org explains that girls between 58 and 62 inches tall should weight between 95 and 105 lb. and boys of that age should weight 85 to 100 lb. Girls between 63 and 64 inches should weigh between 105 and 115 lb. and boys should weigh between 105 and 124 lb. Girls who measure 64 inches during their late teens should average between 115 and 130 lb. Boys between 67 and 70 inches should weight between 130 and 150 lb., and eventually should weigh between 150 and 160 lb. if their height peaks at 70 inches.
The Body Mass Index for Teens
The body mass index, or BMI, is a formula that helps physicians determine an adult's body fat based on weight and height ratios. The number is plotted on a general chart for healthful weight for height ranges to identify whether a person is underweight, overweight or at a healthy weight.
Figuring the BMI for people under the age of 20 is slightly different, using percentiles that help individuals compare their BMI within a large group of people who share the same age and sex. KidsHealth.com explains, for example, that a teen with a BMI in the 50th percentile is close to the average individual of her age and height. A teen with a BMI in the 85th or 90th percentile, however, is considered overweight.
Differences in Growth in Teens
Predominantly influenced by genetics, some adolescents are early bloomers who will begin puberty at much earlier ages than average children. Late bloomers might not experience puberty until their late teen years. These differences in maturation can affect muscle and fat tissue composition and distribution as well as height. Though you might not be able to control the rate of change during puberty, you can promote the health of your child by encouraging him to be active throughout the day and provide your child with nutritious meals.
Expert Insight
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention states that healthful weight ranges cannot be provided for children and teens because weight ranges change with each month of age. Also, weight ranges change as height increases.
Considerations
If your child feels she is abnormally skinny or overweight, speak with your child's physician. Your child's physician has most likely kept track of your child's height and weight throughout your child's life, so these numbers can help the physician determine whether your child is following a normal growth pattern. The physician might recommend specific dietary and exercise guidelines that your child should follow, explains KidsHealth.
Warnings
Significant weight gain or weight loss during adolescence during a short amount of time might be a sign of other health complications or the presence of disease, so inform your child's physician of any drastic changes in your child's weight.
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