The average American woman weighs about 170 pounds and stands about 5 feet, 4 inches tall. But it's important to remember that these averages are mathematical calculations. They don't represent what's typical or healthy for everybody
There are so many factors that make all bodies unique—size, shape, proportions—that comparing one body to others is rarely helpful. In fact, it often leads to negative self-talk and other harmful behaviors (thanks, Instagram).
That said, it may help to know you're not the only one thinking about your weight. According to a 2024 study from Hims & Hers, The Shape of America, 83% of Americans are not at the weight they'd like to be.
The average amount of weight folks are looking to lose? 42 pounds.
Hers shares more about the average weight for women in the United States, what women believe the ideal weight is, and the factors that influence the ability to hit a goal weight.
To learn more about how Americans think about weight and weight loss, Hims & Hers conducted a nationally-representative study of 5,000 adults, revealing the often contradictory beliefs held about weight, including what people believe is normal for themselves and others.
The survey found that women believe the ideal weight for women is 139 pounds. But when asked about their personal ideal weight, the answer was different. When speaking about themselves, the average goal weight for women in this study was 144 pounds.
What's up with these discrepancies? According to Dr. Jessica Shepherd, chief medical officer at Hers, there are a few factors at play.
"There can be discrepancies between actual and ideal weights due to gender, ethnicity, genetics, environment, and lifestyle, and these differences should not be a source of stress as the ideal body weight does not apply to everyone the same."
"Body image," she says, "is a multifaceted construct that includes positive and negative attitudes, thoughts, and behaviors."
American women tend to weigh more than women in other parts of the world. There are many reasons for this, such as dietary choices, cultural norms, and socioeconomic factors that influence food accessibility.
The average body weight of women in America has been steadily increasing over the past few decades.
According to national surveys, about 42% of U.S. women have obesity and an additional 27% are overweight.
Though the U.S. may be leading the charge, one in eight adults around the world now live with obesity. And many more (43%) are overweight.
Percent of women who are overweight in 2022 (by region)
Western Pacific (China, Japan, Australia, and more) — 33.5%
South-East Asia (India, Indonesia, Thailand, and more) — 35.1%
Africa — 36.2%
Europe — 56.3%
Eastern Mediterranean (Middle East, Northeast Africa) — 62.5%
The Americas — 68.7%
Body mass index, or BMI, is a measurement used to assess a person's body weight in relation to how tall they are. It's calculated by dividing a person's weight in kilograms by their height in meters, squared. (kg/m2).
While not perfect, this simple calculation is used as a standard way to measure where people fall in comparison to "normal," which in this context more or less means "healthy." It's intended to provide insight into the risk of developing certain weight-related chronic conditions.
The medical community uses BMI values to diagnose conditions like obesity. The standard weight categories include:
BMI has limitations and may not accurately reflect your overall health or body composition. The measurement doesn't take into account factors like body fat percentage, lean muscle mass, or physical fitness.
Body composition can also differ between men, women, and people of different races and ethnicities.
Sometimes it feels like everything we do today has an impact on how our pants will fit next week. But things are rarely so simple. When it comes to weight, there are a lot of factors at play.
Healthy weight management is a lifelong process. Lifestyle habits are essential to achieving and maintaining a healthy weight and reducing the risk of weight-related health problems like obesity and heart disease. So, toss the weight chart in the trash and consider these tips instead.
Focus on nutrients
Nutrition is one of the most important components of your overall health and wellness. Not only does a nutrient-rich diet provide the vitamins, minerals, fiber, antioxidants, and macronutrients (protein, fats, and carbs) needed, but it also supports healthy weight management.
A few things to keep in mind:
Get better sleep
Not getting enough sleep will wreck anyone, especially if it's an ongoing problem. Did you know that sleep deprivation does more than just make you cranky? Lack of sleep makes people more prone to sugar cravings and mindless eating.
Experts say adults should get seven to nine hours of quality sleep per night. If you don't normally sleep very well, try these tips to catch more Zzz's:
Move your body
Physical activity is important for supporting overall health and achieving weight goals. Regular exercise helps you burn extra calories, lose weight loss, and put on muscle.
For general health, experts recommend at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity aerobic exercise weekly, plus strength training twice per week. For weight loss goals, this increases to 200-300 minutes per week.
In addition to getting your steps in, here are a few things to try:
Consider weight loss medications
When daily lifestyle habits alone aren't enough to promote weight loss, many people find success with weight loss medications. Intended to be used alongside a healthy diet and exercise, some of the most popular and effective weight loss medications include:
Nurture social connections
People were never meant to do life alone, and this includes the journey to achieving a healthy weight. Social connections provide support, accountability, and encouragement. Research shows that people who have these types of networks experience better weight loss outcomes.
Joining a group fitness community or jogging with friends builds a sense of community and encouragement, making it easier to stay committed to healthy habits. Having a strong social network can help provide outlets for healthier stress management. It's also a place to share experiences, successes, and challenges with those on similar journeys.
Drink more water
Stay hydrated, primarily with plain water. Water is essential for health but also helps to keep fuller for longer.
Try to sip on water throughout the day to keep cravings at bay. If your goal is weight loss, drink water right before or during meals to help promote fullness and prevent overeating.
If you get tired of plain water, try these:
There's no "ideal" weight calculation that encompasses every woman's body type or health requirements. At the end of the day, health is more than a number on the scale.
While unrealistic beauty standards and societal pressures are pervasive, that doesn't mean we have to accept them as the norm when examining the optimal weight range for women.
If you're on a mission to find the healthiest weight for you:
This story was produced by Hers and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.