The average weight for a woman in the UK has increased, with recent data from NHS England showing it to be around 72.8 kg (about 11 stone 6 lbs) in England as of 2022, up from 66.6 kg in 1993, with the average height being about 162.3 cm (5' 4"). Different surveys show slight variations, but generally, the trend is upwards, reflecting changes in lifestyle and diet.
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.
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.
Whether 56 kg (about 123 lbs) is "heavy" for a girl depends entirely on her height, body composition (muscle vs. fat), frame size, and age, as this weight can fall into a healthy range for taller individuals but might be considered heavier for shorter individuals. For example, a 160 cm (5'2") person with a BMI around 22 (normal range) could weigh 56 kg, while a shorter person might be in the overweight category, emphasizing that BMI is just a guide, and factors like muscle mass and how you feel are important too.
70kg isn't inherently heavy for a woman; it depends heavily on height, body composition, and build, but it often falls into a healthy range for taller women, while for shorter women, it could lean towards overweight. For example, a 175cm (5'9") woman at 70kg has a healthy BMI, but a 163cm (5'4") woman at the same weight might be considered borderline overweight, according to this article from The Daily Telegraph.
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.
American women aged 20 years and above weigh an average of 170.8 pounds (lbs), according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. American women aged 20 years and above weigh an average of 170.8 pounds (lbs), according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) .
Average weight of women in the 1940's was 134 pounds. Today, the average woman's weight is 171 pounds. So maybe carbs aren't the problem... listen to this week's Lose Weight By Eating podcast for more!
People today are taller, on average, than their ancestors were 100 years ago. This is true for every country in the world.
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.
You Might Be Eating Too Little
This phenomenon is called “starvation mode,” and while your body isn't actually starving, it will naturally hold onto whatever calories it receives in an effort to help you maintain your energy balance.
Fastest ways to lose weight usually combine:
Women usually gain weight until age 65, and then begin to lose weight. Weight loss later in life occurs partly because fat replaces lean muscle tissue, and fat weighs less than muscle. Diet and exercise habits can play a large role in a person's weight changes over their lifetime.
The average body size for a woman varies by country and region. In North America, particularly the United States, the average height is around 5'4” (162.5 cm), and the average weight is approximately 170 to 180 pounds (77–82 kg).
On average, a size 14 can weigh anywhere from 140-200 pounds.