Is it normal to wonder if "average weight" will change?

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6 Comments

I would be what is considered "average weight", with a BMI of 22. However, I have read up on statistics for weight in the United States and have noticed that 2/3 of Americans are overweight, 1/3 of that being obese. So, in reality, 1/3 of Americans are "average weight" or "under weight". (Please note that these fractions have been rounded, and the actual percentages may cause slight variation to the fraction).

I'm wondering, then, if the average person in the United states is now overweight, will they ever change what is considered to be "average" or "normal" weight? After all, according to statistics, most of the population of the US is overweight at least, so wouldn't that mean that your average weight is actually higher than BMI scales depict "average weight" to be?

I'm not saying that it is correct, but I wonder if this "weight issue" that we're having will lead to accomodation and change of standards, do you?

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82% Normal
Based on 22 votes (18 yes)
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Comments ( 6 )
  • dappled
    11 years ago

    It's semantics, but yes. "Average" weight may be misleading in a country with an obesity epidemic. "Normal" weight is probably a better term. If we class "normal" weight as what health professionals consider a healthy range, then that shouldn't change to much (unless for some reason a medical advance causes it to change).

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  • nAt2017
    11 years ago

    Yes, average is relative. That's one of the reasons why this site is so interesting, because people's opinions of "normal" are constantly shifting.

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  • trublutxm75
    11 years ago

    As long as people believe "fortified" means healthy the weight issue and related illnesses will escalate.
    Everyone's body is different as so their level of activity. Each must find their own balance of diet and activity to achieve their own body's natural balance

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  • dirtybirdy
    11 years ago

    I have wondered something similar to this. Like I always look at the nutrition information and its always based on a 2000 calorie diet. I usually eat less than that but I'm fairly active. I'm pretty damn sure more than half the people I see on a daily basis eat way more than that, and clearly have mobility issues. Pfff... land barges. Move! But should it be changed because everything around it is? 2000 calories is 'normal' for a 'normal' person and I hope like hell we don't start suggesting that 4000 is the new norm. I wont abide!

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    • Anonymous Post Author
      11 years ago

      That's what I am wondering. As the obesity problem grows, and settles out, will the standards be lowered because they're seen as subjective or unreasonable? I am fairly certain that even I don't eat as much as 2000 calories on a regular basis. If you look at the caloric values on fast food menus, it is no wonder that Americans are gaining weight so rapidly...

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      • dirtybirdy
        11 years ago

        I know. Its just awful. And people want to blame their medical problems on their obesity too. How about blame your obesity for your medical problems instead. It really gets me mad. I'm sure the actual number of people who are fat due to medical issues is far smaller than all the ones that make that claim. McDonald's made me fat. No! you decided to eat the shit constantly! Ughhh!!!!!

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