What is the average weight of a 12-year-old?


To tell whether a young adolescent has a healthy weight, it can help to know the average for their age and sex. The averages for 12-year-olds are 89 pounds, for males, and 92 pounds, for females.

However, beyond biological sex, many other factors influence someone’s weight at this age, including their height, body composition, the onset of puberty, environmental factors, and underlying health issues.

Below, we explore the averages and the factors that affect them, using statistics from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

We also describe some health risks of having a weight that is significantly below or above average.

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The averages by sex

Biological sex plays a role in weight, and in general, a 12-year-old female weighs slightly more than a male of the same age.

When discussing a child’s weight, a doctor may refer to a statistic that indicates the percentage of others who weigh less or more.

For example, a child in the 35th percentile weighs more than 35% of children of the same age and sex. By the same token, they weight less than 65% of these peers.

Below, learn more about the averages for 12-year-old males and females.

Females

According to the CDC, the average weight of a 12-year-old female is 92 pounds (lb)Trusted Source, or around 42 kilograms (kg).

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Below, find the average range by percentile:

Percentilelbkg (rounded to nearest value)
95th13561
90th12356
75th10648
50th9242
25th8137
10th7233
5th6831

Males

The CDC report that the average weight of a 12-year-old male is 89 lbTrusted Source, or about 40 kg.

Below, find the average range by percentile:

Percentilelbkg (rounded to nearest value)
95th13059
90th11954
75th10347
50th8940
25th7936
10th7132
5th6730

A doctor may be concerned about the weight and health of a young adolescent if:

  • their weight falls within the 3rd percentile
  • their weight falls beyond the upper or lower percentiles on the CDC’s growth chart
  • there has been a drastic change in their weight

When their weight falls significantly above or below the average, a young adolescent may have a risk of health complications. We outline some examples below.

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Complications of low weight

Doctors may use the expression “failure to thrive” when describing a child with poor weight gain or sudden weight loss. The expression usually applies to babies and toddlers, though older children can also have difficulty gaining or maintaining weight.

The following are some potential causes of slow weight gain in children:

  • Premature birth: This can lead to the underdevelopment of certain muscles.
  • Down syndrome: This chromosomal condition can lead to delayed development of certain muscles.
  • Metabolic disorders: These can interfere with the body’s ability to convert food into energy.
  • Cystic fibrosis: This inherited condition can prevent the absorption of calories.
  • Food allergies or intolerances: These can limit meal options.
  • Gastroesophageal reflux: This digestive condition can lead to frequent vomiting.
  • Stress: Those relating to home life or school, for example, can affect a child’s appetite.
  • Financial difficulties: These can make it difficult for parents and caregivers to provide sufficient food.

A child with very low weight may have:

  • developmental delays
  • problems with thinking
  • behavioral issues
  • problems at school
  • below-average height

Complications of high weight

Children and young adolescents with overweight or obesity may have an increased risk of:

  • high cholesterol levels
  • high blood pressure
  • impaired glucose tolerance, insulin resistance, or type 2 diabetes
  • breathing difficulties, such as asthma or sleep apnea
  • joint issues
  • heartburn
  • gallstones
  • fatty liver disease
  • depression
  • anxiety
  • low self-esteem

As the CDCTrusted Source note, children with obesity are also more likely to develop severe obesity and associated risk factors as adults.

A healthcare provider may calculate a child’s body mass index (BMI) to determine whether their weight is healthy. This gives a more accurate picture because it also takes height into account.

The CDC provide a toolTrusted Source for calculating the BMI of children aged 2–18 years. To use it, a person needs to know:

  • the child’s weight, in pounds
  • the child’s height, in inches
  • their child’s age, in months or years and months

The calculator gives the child’s BMI as a percentile and more information.

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