What is Average Weight for 16 Year Old Boys & Girls?

At the age of 16, teens might still experience variations in their bodies, especially in weight. Here you will know what the average weight for 16 year olds is. 

When your kids are 16 years old, she/he is still in a period of growth and development. Some of them are even just starting their puberty. This time is really a confusing period as they have to modify the changes that their body is enduring. What’s more, you will notice significant variations in their appearance, height, and weight. 

For 16-year-old teen boys, the average weight (based on the 50th percentile) is 61.1 kg (134 lbs). Girls, on the other hand, have a smaller weight that is 53.9 kg (119 lbs) when compared to boys of this age. 

This average weight is considered healthy for kids of that age, according to the Center for Disease Controls and Prevention (CDC). However, it doesn’t mean that your kid needs to be within this weight to be healthy. There are a lot more subjective and objective factors for this. So, keep reading to find it out!

What Weight Should a 16-Year-Old Teenager Have?

The reasonable weight for teenagers at the age of 16 is around 119 lbs for girls and 134 lbs for boys. Nonetheless, it is not recommended for 16-year-old teens to seek any certain weight because their weight is affected by a wide variety of elements. 

It is crucial to understand that one’s health, typically teens’ health, is not influenced solely by weight. This weight can be healthy for your kids but not for other kids. So, you should note that even when your child’s BMI result denotes that they are within the healthy size spectrum, then their level of exercise and eating habits are still among the two most critical things determining their health. 

So, make sure your children understand that their body mass and shape are not always the decisive factors of their health. 

In addition, this underlines what it means to embrace and appreciate the human body’s singularity. As such, you should ensure that your child knows that they should not compare their bodies with their peers. Alternatively, it is great to rethink their access to health. 

Now, let’s have a look at the body weight percentile charts for 16-year-old teens:

Body weight percentile chart for 16 year-old-teen boys

Body weight percentile chart for 16 year-old-teen girls

What Are the Factors Influencing Weight of a 16-Year-Old Teenager?

Having moderate eating and regular exercise habits is widely believed to be the best way to maintain a healthy weight for 16-year-old teens. Yes, it is true, but not enough. There are still several more elements to keep in mind, such as genetics, sleep status, depression and anxiety, medication, medical issues, etc.

Mental health is among the most crucial factors impacting the weight of 16-year-old teenagers. Pressure and stress can not only change their hunger and cause an overeating feeling but also the way fat is stored in teenagers’ bodies. 

Sleep quality might also play an important role in the overall weight of teenagers at the age of 16. As some of you might know, sleep is considered an important hormone-balancing mechanism and is the source of the body’s daily energy needs. Most adolescents need 8 to 10 hours of sleep each night. Build a routine that your child can follow and learn how much sleep their body needs are good things you can do for them.

In addition, genetics might also matter when it comes to the healthy or average weight of 16-year-old teenagers. If your children are suffering from any medical problems, chronic illness, or using medicines, their weight can also be impacted. 

Should a 16-Year-Old Teenager Go on a Diet?

It is recommended not to force your teens to refuse specific foods or follow a strict diet. They are in a period of tremendous growth and maturity. Removing foods and decreasing the amount of calorie intake can lead to the lack of key nutrients required during this growth phase.

In our society, dieting is something that is closely related to being healthy. Having said that, it can cause some serious problems for teens’ health if they are done in the wrong way. For instance, if you restrict specific food groups or foods in your child’s diet, he or she is more likely to overeat on them later on. What’s more, restrictive regulations of the diet might lead to several eating issues. 

If you notice that your child’s weight is abnormal, it is best to make an appointment with their doctor for reasons and cures. Being overweight is not always a sign of harming one’s health. 

So, When Should a 16-Year Old Teen Lose Weight?

It is better to slow down the weight gain speed rather than lose weight. Of course, there are always several certain exceptions. However, any type of weight loss, especially for16-year-old teenagers, should always be practiced under a dietitian’s or doctor’s guidance. 

The teen years might also be a stressful time. Their bodies are always altering, and their weight can change too. Your teen may want to go on a diet to lose some weight in the expectations of feeling and looking better.

So, it is more important for them to focus on eating healthy food and building exercise routines instead of trying to change their body. This way, their weight will be stabilized in the healthy range. Ultimately, the dramatic improvements in health come from a good attitude and care for the body, not from hating it.

Final Thoughts

So, if your teens are in their 16 years old, it is recommended to get the average weight of 53.9 kg (119 lbs) for girls and 61.1 kg (134 lbs) for boys. 

Children at the age of 16 years might want to lose weight if they feel that they are a bit “overweight” than their peers. But this is not necessary and even not good for your health if done wrongly. As such, ensure that you teach them to understand and take good care of their body. It is needed to consult a nutritionist to make sure they get all of their nutritional necessities.