It’s no secret that obesity rates are up in this country. But when I see how much we used to weigh 40 years ago compared to what we weigh now, it still amazes me. Check out the weigh we were…
Men
The average weight for men aged 20-74 went up dramatically: from 166.3 pounds in 1960 to 191 pounds in 2002
Men’s average weight by age in 2002 compared to 1960
- Men aged 20-39 were almost 20 pounds heavier
- Men aged 40-49 were nearly 27 pounds heavier
- Men aged 50-59 were nearly 28 pounds heavier
- Men aged 60-74 were almost 33 pounds heavier
Women
The average weight for women aged 20-74 went up, as well: from 140.2 pounds in 1960 to 164.3 pounds in 2002
Women’s average weight by age in 2002 compared to 1960
- Women aged 20-29 were nearly 29 pounds heavier
- Women aged 40-49 were about 25½ pounds heavier
- Women aged 60-74 were about 17½ pounds heavier
Children
The average weights for children are also higher:
- A 10 year-old-boy in 1963 was 74.2 pounds; by 2002 he weighed nearly 85 pounds
- A 10-year-old girl in 1963 was 77.4 pounds; by 2002 she weighed nearly 88 pounds
- A 15-year-old boy weighed 135.5 pounds in 1966; by 2002 he weighed 150.3 pounds
- A 15-year-old girl weighed 124.2 pounds in 1966; by 2002 she weighed 134.4 pounds
Source: National Center for Health Statistics
If you want more info, check out this post, What is the average height and weight in the U.S.?
This post makes me want to go “La La La La, I can’t hear you,” like Bart Simpson!
I don’t want to know this. I see the lumbering masses every day. I see their bodies breaking before their “time.” The tide will not be turned. “The center will not hold.” W. B. Yeats
This doesn’t surprise, especially in light of one of your recent posts showing the huge increase in portion sizes over time.
Very interesting (and catchy). What about the difference in height?
HB
Hi Sahar,
When I see numbers compared like this – I think it’s a stark reminder how much food we really do eat (we as a whole). Scary, almost…
It’s scary how much these stats have risen. But good for me – when I see them I want to do what only I can to change them and eat less! Or eat more veggies, etc.
Dr. J -Do you really believe the tide will not be turned? Don’t you think there’s some way to do it?
hb – good question – I will definitely look into the height…
Lance – I know – it’s totally terrifying, really.
Aren’t people taller now than they were then?
france – You’re right. People are a bit taller now – I will have to double check on the specifics.