If you’re a parent of a 15-year-old, you might be wondering if your child’s weight is within the normal range.
Or, if you’re a 15-year-old yourself, you might be concerned about your weight and whether it’s normal.
Here’s a look at what a normal weight is for a 15-year-old boy and girl, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
What is a Healthy Weight for 15-year-old Boys?
Globally, the average weight for a 15-year-old boy is about 60 kilograms (kg), which is just over 130 pounds.
In the United States, the average weight for a 15-year-old boy typically ranges from 110 to 180 pounds.
There’s no one “perfect” weight for all 15-year-old boys. Some boys may be heavier or lighter than others and still be healthy.
Healthy weights can vary depending on a boy’s height, age, and muscle mass.
Generally speaking, though, a boy who falls within the 5th to 85th percentile range on the CDC growth charts is considered to be of a healthy weight.
What is a Healthy Weight for 15-year-old Girls?
The average weight for a 15-year-old girl is about 48.9 kg, which is just over 108 pounds.
Like boys, there’s no one “perfect” weight for all 15-year-old girls. Some girls may be heavier or lighter than others and still be healthy.
Healthy weights can vary depending on a girl’s height, age, and muscle mass.
Generally speaking, though, a girl who falls within the 5th to 85th percentile range on the CDC growth charts is considered to be of a healthy weight.
One important thing to remember is that everyone is different. Some people may be taller or shorter than others, and some people may have more muscle mass than others. BMI only considers height to weight ratio only, not body composition.
As long as your child is following a healthy diet and getting regular exercise, their weight is likely within the normal range.
Should a 15-year-old Go On a Diet?
If your child is overweight or obese, they may be at risk for health problems such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart disease.
If you’re concerned about your child’s weight, talk to their doctor. The doctor can help you and your child develop a healthy eating and exercise plan.
Your child may also benefit from seeing a registered dietitian who can provide individualized nutrition counseling.
In some cases, medication may be necessary to help a child lose weight. This should always be done under the supervision of a doctor.
Surgery is rarely needed to treat obesity in children and teens.
How to Maintain a Healthy Weight and Lifestyle at 15
There are a few things you can do to help your child maintain a healthy weight and lifestyle:
1. Encourage Them to Eat a Healthy Diet
Encourage your child to eat plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein.
Limit sugary drinks and junk food.
Make sure they’re getting enough calcium and vitamin D.
2. Get Them Moving
Make sure your child is getting at least 60 minutes of physical activity every day.
Encourage them to participate in activities they enjoy, such as team sports, biking, hiking, or swimming.
3. Limit Screen Time
Help your child limit their screen time to no more than two hours per day.
4. Quality Sleep
Most teens need at least 8 hours of sleep per night.
5. Talk to Their Doctor
If you’re concerned about your child’s weight, talk to their doctor. The doctor can help you and your child develop a healthy eating and exercise plan.
Your child may also benefit from seeing a registered dietitian who can provide individualized nutrition counseling.
In some cases, medication may be necessary to help a child lose weight. This should always be done under the supervision of a doctor.
Surgery is rarely needed to treat obesity in children and teens.
6. Seek Support if You Need It
If you’re struggling to help your child lose weight, don’t hesitate to seek support from a registered dietitian or other health professional.
You can also find support and information from organizations such as the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, the Obesity Society, and the American Academy of Pediatrics.
How Much Should You Weigh For Your Height, Gender, And Body Frame Size?
FAQs – Normal Weight for a 15-Year-Old
How do I know if my child is overweight?
There are a few ways to tell if your child is overweight:
1. Check their BMI. You can use a BMI calculator for kids to find out your child’s BMI percentile. A BMI at or above the 85th percentile is considered overweight, while a BMI at or above the 95th percentile is considered obese.
2. Look at their physical appearance. If you notice that your child has extra fat around their waist, thighs, or arms, they may be overweight.
3. Ask their doctor. Your child’s doctor can tell you if your child is overweight and offer advice on how to help them lose weight in a healthy way.
How many calories for a 15-year-old?
The number of calories a 15-year-old needs depends on their age, gender, height, weight, and activity level.
Most 15-year-olds need between 1,800 and 2,400 calories per day. Boys tend to need more calories than girls as they tend to be physically larger.
How much should a 15 year old weigh?
There is no one “ideal” weight for a 15-year-old. Weight varies based on factors such as height, muscle mass, and body composition.
A healthy weight for a 15-year-old boy is usually somewhere between 103 and 167 pounds.
For a 15-year-old girl, a healthy weight is typically between 95 and 149 pounds.
What are the health risks of being overweight?
If your child is overweight, they may be at risk for health problems such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, and sleep apnea.
They may also have a greater risk of developing joint problems, fatty liver disease, and some types of cancer.
Is it normal for a 15-year-old to lose weight?
It’s not unusual for a 15-year-old to lose weight. Many teens experience a growth spurt during this time and some see weight flucutations as they become taller.
If your child is not growing or gaining weight, it may be a sign that they are not getting enough calories. This can be due to poor eating habits or an underlying health condition.
Conclusion – Normal Weight for a 15-Year-Old
As you can see, there is a wide range of what is considered a normal weight for a 15-year-old boy or girl. If your child falls within the 50th percentile for their age and gender, they are considered to be at a healthy weight.
However, if they fall significantly above or below this range—into the 85th percentile or higher (overweight), or lower than the 5th percentile (obese)—it’s worth talking to their doctor about steps you can take to help them reach and maintain a healthy weight.
These steps may include making changes to their diet and activity level.
If you’re struggling to help your child lose weight, don’t hesitate to seek support from a registered dietitian or other health professional.
You can also find support and information from organizations such as the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, the Obesity Society, and the American Academy of Pediatrics.
