The average weight for adult Australians has increased, with recent data (around 2017-18) showing the typical male at about 87 kg (192 lbs) and the typical female at around 72 kg (158 lbs), though more recent ABS data for 2022 suggests a slight dip to ~70.1 kg for an overall average, with most adults classified as overweight or obese.
Adult Wt|Ht Obesity Chart
An example is shown for an individual who weighs 80 kg (176 lbs) and stands 1.75 meters (175 cm or 69 inches) tall. Those measurements put that individual into the "overweight" category. This chart is to be used for adult data (male or female). To convert pounds to kilograms divide by 2.2.
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.
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.
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.
Generally used to refer to males who could be overpowered and taken advantaged of by other males who are above 200 pounds. Could also be used as a general statement about a male weighing approximately 140-160 pounds or 60-70 kilograms.” - Urban Dictionary.
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.
14 is probably in the overweight category (depending on height obviously) and is not slim.
In adults, overweight, or pre-obesity, is defined as a BMI of 25-29.9 kg/m², while a BMI ≥ 30 kg/m² defines obesity.
People today are taller, on average, than their ancestors were 100 years ago. This is true for every country in the world.
Our beautiful bodies come in all shapes and sizes, and what might be considered "average" by one brand simply won't work for everyone. The average Australian woman is reportedly a size 14-16, yet many brands still don't cater well to this size range.
Whether 80kg (176 lbs) is "heavy" for a woman depends on her height, body composition (muscle vs. fat), and frame, as Body Mass Index (BMI) can categorize it as overweight or obese for shorter women but might be healthy for taller individuals with significant muscle mass, though a BMI over 30 (obesity) is generally considered unhealthy for most. A single number doesn't define health; factors like fitness level, strength, and body shape matter more than just weight.
Globally, Australia ranks 10th among OECD countries for overweight and obesity, with a prevalence rate of 64%, exceeding the OECD average of 59%. The health effects are substantial. Excess weight is the second-largest contributor to disease burden, responsible for 8.4% of all cases.
The right variety and amount of exercise can both reduce body weight and prevent weight regain. In addition, it may improve: Endocrine and immune body responses related to adipose tissue dysfunction, including insulin sensitivity.
The lowest obesity rates can be found in Ethiopia (4.5%), Eritrea (5%), Madagascar and Uganda (5.3%). How do these numbers compare to other countries around the world? The whole global top 10 is in the Pacific, with Nauru being the highest (61%). The highest outside the top 10 are Kuwait (37.9%) and the US (36.2%).
The fact that a size 16 is considered average is sad. There is nothing to be proud of in that. If you feel like you should be thinner or healthier, believe me, it's not just because of others, it's because you actually should be. Having your skin stretch to that effect or jiggle every time you move isn't a good thing.
To drop a dress size we're looking at a weight loss of approximately 5 to 8 kilograms (kg), which is around 1 stone. This figure will obviously vary from person to person, as it is dependant on height, body shape, starting weight and how much muscle you have.
Your slower metabolism will slow your weight loss, even if you eat the same number of calories that helped you lose weight. When the calories you burn equal the calories you eat, you reach a plateau. To lose more weight, you need to either increase your physical activity or decrease the calories you eat.