Being overweight or obese can pose many potential health risks, including high blood pressure and type 2 diabetes. The BMI, or body mass index, is a medical calculation that uses both your height and weight to determine where you stand in terms of unhealthy body fat. Understanding the average heights and weights that contribute to the BMI is an essential step toward losing any excess fat weight as well as improving your quality of life.
National Height and Weight Averages
Approximately 66 percent of adults in the United States are overweight or obese, according to the Weight-control Information Network. Since more than one-half of Americans fall into these BMI-related categories, the truth is that the national average of height and weights represents a fairly high average body mass index -- as well as an unbalanced weight-to-height ratio.
Averages for Men and Women
The U.S. national average height and weight for adults aged 20 or over -- as reported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in 2009 -- is telling in terms of the BMI of the average American. In women, the average height is 63.8 inches; the average weight is 164.7 lbs. For men, the the figures average out to a height of 69.4 inches and a weight of 194.7 lbs. Both sets of numbers calculate to an average BMI that falls into the high overweight range of the BMI scale.
A High Average BMI
Body mass index ranges between 19.0 and 24.9 are normal, while those between 25.0 and 29.9 fall into the category of overweight. A BMI above 30.0 indicates obesity, which is considered a serious health risk. The average heights and weights of Americans as reported by the CDC result in an average BMI of 28.4 for both men and women, suggesting that adults in the United States are generally overweight, bordering on obese.
Calculating Your Own BMI
Although the BMI is a calculation used by medical professionals, such as dietitians and doctors, you can calculate your own BMI with a little bit of simple math. To see where you stand in terms of the national averages, multiply your weight in pounds by the constant 703, then divide this result by your height in inches. Divide the result once more -- you now have your individual BMI, and can easily see whether you're above or below average. If your BMI is in the range of overweight or obese, talk to your physician about changes you can make to your diet and level of physical activity to lose excess fat weight, as well as to keep yourself in a height-to-weight ratio for optimal -- not average -- overall health.
Member Comments