The average weight for an Australian woman is around 72 kilograms, based on data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) 2017-18 National Health Survey, though figures vary slightly by source and year, with some data around 71-72.6 kg for women. This weight corresponds to an average height of about 161-162 cm, placing the typical adult female in the "overweight" category according to BMI standards.
In Australia, a size 12 is generally considered a "straight" or "missy" size, falling within average ranges, but due to vanity sizing and inconsistent measurements across brands, it can represent different body sizes; health-wise, a larger waist (over 88cm for women) is a risk factor, and the actual average Australian woman is now closer to a size 16-18, meaning a size 12 is smaller than average, though "fat" is a subjective term related to body image and health metrics like BMI, not just a single number.
The average Australian woman is around 162 cm (5'3.5") tall and weighs approximately 71-72 kg (156-159 lbs), with a general clothing size often cited as AU size 16, though data varies slightly by source and year, with many retailers stocking sizes well above the average, indicating a significant portion of the population wears larger sizes.
70kg (about 154 lbs) can be a healthy weight, but it depends heavily on your height, body composition, and overall health, as it falls within the normal Body Mass Index (BMI) range for many people but could be overweight for shorter individuals or underweight for very tall ones. For instance, a person 1.75m (5'9") tall with 70kg has a normal BMI, but height is key, so consulting BMI charts or a doctor is best for a personalized assessment.
Whether 80 kg is overweight for a woman depends entirely on her height, as weight is relative to body size; using Body Mass Index (BMI) or height charts shows that for shorter women (e.g., under 160cm/5'3"), 80kg is likely obese, while for taller women (e.g., over 175cm/5'9"), it might fall within the healthy to overweight range, but always use a calculator for accuracy as BMI doesn't account for muscle.
BMI Categories – What Your Results Mean
If you're 165 cm tall, a healthy weight is between 54 kg and 68 kg. If you weigh over 81 kg, your BMI is above 30, placing you in the obesity range.
Your most consistent and "true" weight is generally in the morning, after using the bathroom and before eating or drinking anything. This provides the most accurate baseline because your body has processed the previous day's food and fluids overnight, resulting in less fluctuation from digestion, water intake, and daily activities. Weighing at the same time, in the same minimal clothing, and under consistent conditions (like in the morning) helps track trends better than weighing at night or randomly.
The average woman in England weighed 11 stone (70.2kg) and was 5ft 3in tall (161.6cm).
The answer is yes — but not as drastically as you may think. Metabolism drives the body's basic functions, including converting food into energy to be used immediately or stored for later use. Research shows that metabolism starts to slow down after age 60,2 which may lead to body composition changes or weight gain.
Asian and African nations have the smallest, with predominantly B and A cup sizes being most common. Australia is way down the list: in 2020, the most common Australian bra sizes are reported to be 14C and 12D, and while this is the average across all ages, there really is no such thing as the “average” woman.
A 70kg woman usually falls into a Medium (M) to Large (L) dress size, depending heavily on height, body proportions (bust, waist, hips), and the specific brand's sizing, with some charts placing 70kg at the upper end of Medium and others at the lower end of Large. For example, some guides link 70kg with a Medium, while others connect it to a Large, so checking the brand's specific size chart with your measurements (bust, waist, hips) is crucial.
In the United States, studies suggest that the average clothing size for women falls between size 16 and 18. In Europe, the general average is around UK size 16 or EU size 44. In Asia, the average dress size ranges between sizes 7 to 9, while in South Asia, it's closer to sizes 12 to 14.
The average Australian woman wears size 16
The country with the highest adult obesity rate is typically one of the Pacific Island nations, with Nauru often cited as number one, followed closely by American Samoa, Tokelau, and the Cook Islands, with rates exceeding 69% of the adult population. These island nations in Oceania consistently rank highest due to complex factors like diet changes and genetic predispositions.
'The average woman in the UK is 5ft 3in tall, weighs 11 stone (70.2kg) and wears a size 16.
Sleep deprivation has long been linked to an increased risk of becoming overweight or obese. Researchers found that getting less than seven hours of sleep resulted in weight changes and may lead to weight gain, either by increasing food intake or decreasing energy burned.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says that a healthy BMI is between 18.5 and 24.9, that a BMI between 25 and 30 is considered overweight and that a BMI over 30 is considered obese for all adults over age 20.
Does Drinking Water Aid Weight Loss? There is evidence to support the claim that drinking water can aid weight loss. A study by the National Institute of Health on overweight women found that increasing water intake led to a reduction in body weight, body mass index (BMI) and body fat percentage.
The 3-3-3 rule for weight loss is a simple, habit-based method focusing on three key areas: 3 balanced meals a day, 3 bottles (or ~1.5L) of water by 3 PM, and 3 hours of physical activity per week, aiming for consistency over complex diets. It simplifies fat loss by establishing rhythm through consistent eating, adequate hydration to support metabolism, and regular movement, promoting sustainable health without intense calorie counting or restrictive rules, says Five Diamond Fitness and Wellness, Joon Medical Wellness & Aesthetics, and EatingWell.
In some people, particularly those who have been dieting or fasting, a meal that is high in carbohydrates, such as pasta or rice, can be stored as glycogen. Glycogen is stored with water, which causes an individual to gain water weight very quickly – as much as 2 pounds overnight.
In general, keep waist circumference to less than half your height. For example, for a 6-foot man (72 inches), a healthy waist size would be anything less than 36 inches. For a 5-foot-2 woman (62 inches), a healthy waist size would be anything less than 31 inches.
The healthiest lower energy-dense choices are foods that are high in protein but low in fat and calories, such as: