Height and weight among women tends to vary according to age, genetics, physical activity, metabolism, culture and environment. Height and weight data from populations around the world make it evident that both genetics and environment play considerable roles when it comes to a woman's overall size. Because a number of factors are involved, a healthy weight according to height varies from person to person.
Aveage Weight
The average weight of women varies across the globe. In Bolivia and Germany, for example the average weight of woman 15 years of age and older is 148.8 lbs. The United States has the highest average with the weight of 164 lbs. among 20 to 74 year old. The average weight of the American woman has increased by 7 percent, or 11 lbs., within the last 10 years.
Average Height
Height in women varies dramatically around the world was well. Women in northwestern Europe, such as the Netherlands, are the tallest with an average height of 5 foot, 7 inches. Women from Bolivia are the shortest with an average height of 4 foot, 8 inches. Women in the United States are approximately 5 foot, 3 inches on average. These differences are both the result of genetic differences and a number of lifestyle differences such as diet.
Body Mass Index
Body mass index is a measure of your body fat according to height and weight. Ratios are used to classify individuals as underweight, of normal weight, overweight, or obese. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services , individuals with a body mass index of less than 18.5 are considered underweight; those between 18.5 and 24.9 of normal weight; 25 to 29.9 is considered overweight and body mass indexes greater than 30 are classified as obese.
Average Body Mass Index
More than 50 percent of women in the United States have a BMI of greater than 25, and are thus considered overweight. Your BMI tends to increase with age until you reach 50 to 60 years of age. Body mass index does not account for individuals such as athletes who often have a large percentage of muscles, nor does it account for individuals who have less muscle mass, such as the elderly.
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