Mean Body Weight, Height, and Body Mass Index, United States 1960-2002

This report presents trends in national estimates of mean weight, height, and body mass index (BMI) from the National Health Examination and the National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys between 1960 and 2002. The tables included in this report present data for adults by sex, race/ethnicity, and age group and for children by sex and year of age. Mean weight and BMI have increased for both sexes, all race/ethnic groups, and all ages. Among adults, mean weight increased more than 24 pounds. Although not as dramatically, mean height has also increased for most ages and for both males and females.