The average weight for men 20 years and older in the United States is just under 200 pounds, at 199.8 pounds. Though it’s helpful to understand, the average weight for a man isn’t always the same as a healthy weight for you. The right weight for you may depend on factors like your height, body type, and more.
The average weight for men varies with age. Currently, averages in the U.S are:
- Across ages: 199.8 pounds
- Age 20 to 29: 188.6 pounds
- Age 30 to 39: 208.1 pounds
- Age 40 to 49: 206.9 pounds
- Age 50 to 59: 202.5 pounds
- Age 60 to 69: 201.2 pounds
- Age 70 and 79: 193.4 pounds
- Age 80 and over: 177.5 pounds
The average weight for men has gone up over the decades, along with average height. Between 1960 and 1962, men older than 20 weighed 166.3 pounds on average and were just under 5 feet, 7 inches (68.3 inches).
Since then, the average weight for men has increased over 30 pounds, with height gaining just over half an inch to reach 69 inches.
Global Comparisons
Worldwide, average weight varies a great deal. Older research looking at data from men and women worldwide in 2005 found these averages:
- North America: 177.9 pounds
- Africa: 133.8 pounds
- Asia: 127.2 pounds
- Europe: 156 pounds
- Caribbean Region/South America: 149.7 pounds
- Pacific Islands, Australia, and New Zealand: 163.4 pounds
In addition to your age, height, and where you live, a combination of other factors influences your weight. These factors include:
- Diet: What and how much you eat can affect whether you gain or lose weight over time.
- Activity level: Not burning enough calories in a day and not getting enough exercise can contribute to weight gain. How active you are may also affect your muscle mass, which influences weight.
- Genetics: Your genes play a central role in your weight. Based on studies of identical twins (who have the same genes), researchers think that certain genes make it easier to gain or lose weight.
- Sleep: Studies suggest that getting less than seven to nine hours of nightly sleep stimulates your appetite and can contribute to weight gain.
- Culture: Your cultural background may shape what you eat, how active you are, and other factors that influence your weight.
- Race and ethnicity: In the U.S., average weight differs among ethnic and racial groups.
- Medical conditions: Many health conditions can cause weight gain or loss.
- Medications: Some drugs for depression, epilepsy, diabetes, allergies, and other conditions can impact your metabolism and weight.
- Social factors: Other factors that affect weight include whether you live in a walkable neighborhood or have access to fresh, healthy food.
The average weight isn’t necessarily a healthy weight for most men. A healthy weight for you is one that’s right for your body and doesn’t increase health risks. It depends on many factors, like your age, height, health history, genetics, activity levels, muscle mass, and more.
A common way that healthcare providers determine a target weight is by using a body mass index (BMI) chart. Based on your height and weight, BMI scores fit into categories of health risk. For example, a 5-foot-9-inch adult’s BMI class would be:
- Underweight (BMI less than 18.5) at 124 pounds or less
- Healthy weight (BMI 18.5-25) at 125-168 pounds
- Overweight (BMI 25-30) at 169-202 pounds
- Obesity (BMI 30 and above) at over 203 pounds
BMI isn’t a perfect measure. It doesn’t distinguish between fat, muscle, and bone mass or account for ethnicity and race. The best way to determine if you’re at a healthy weight is to talk to a healthcare provider. They can help you determine your weight and health goals.
Lifestyle changes and habits can help you lose, gain, or maintain weight to achieve what’s ideal for your health. These include:
- Focus on diet: For better success with weight changes and your overall health, try to limit salt, added sugars (in snacks, sodas, and candy), saturated fats (in dairy, fatty meats, and lard), and alcohol.
- Get physical activity: Boosting physical activity and increasing exercise can play a large role in weight management. For adults, that means at least 150 minutes a week of light to moderate aerobic activity, or 75 minutes of high-intensity activity.
- Manage stress: Stress may lead to overeating, undereating, sleep problems, and other factors that impact weight. Healthy ways to cope can include relaxation techniques like meditation or breathing exercises, exercise, yoga, spending time with friends and family, or counseling.
- Get good sleep: Adults need seven to nine hours of uninterrupted sleep a night. Steps to take include going to sleep and waking up at the same times every day and avoiding electronics, large meals, and coffee, alcohol, or nicotine before bed.
The average weight for men in the U.S. is about 200 pounds. Your height, genetics, age, diet, and level of activity are among many factors influencing how much you weigh. If you’re not sure whether you’re at a healthy weight or if you want to manage your weight, a healthcare provider can help.
