A lot of changes should have occurred in a child’s body at 14. Usually, at 14 years, most teens should have started experiencing puberty. So, by 14, a child may gradually begin to develop adult-like bodies.
Therefore, it becomes a concern if a child is smaller or bigger than his or her peer. But then, should it really be a thing of concern? Is it essential to bother about the weight of a 14-year-old?
Let’s find the solution to the question below.
How much should a 14 year old weigh
On average, a 14-year-old should weigh between 104 Ibs – 112.0 Ibs. In kilograms, it is calculated as 47.6kg – 50.8kg.
However, this varies depending on the height and gender of the child. For example, an average 14-year-old male is between 5.3 or 5.6 feet tall. It means he would likely weigh between 104 – 154Ibs.
At 63 inches, he should weigh between 104 – 140 lbs. At Sixty-four inches, he should weigh between 107 – 145 lbs. He should weigh 111 – 149 at 65 inches. And at 66 inches, he should weigh between 114 – 154 lbs.
Again, this isn’t the same for a 14-year-old girl. Now, at 14, a girl is expected to be years old, two inches shorter than a boy her age. So, she is likely between 63 and 64 inches tall.
If she’s 63 inches tall, a normal weight for her is between 104 – 140 lbs. However, If she’s 64 inches tall, her normal weight is between 107 – 145 lbs.
Continue reading for more information on this topic.
How Much Should A Child Weigh?
It is important to know that every child is different. And so may not weigh the same as their peer. The weight and overall growth of children differ.
A child’s weight depends on several factors like; Genetic makeup, Economic status, Family lifestyle, Physical activities, health conditions etc.
Therefore, all these factors should be considered when classifying a child as underweight or obese. However, below is a chart that shows an average weight for children of all ages;
Weight Ratio Chart For Female Children
| Age | Weight (Ib) | Weight (Kg) |
| 0 -11months | 7.3 – 19.9Ib | 3.3 – 9.0kg |
| 12 – 3months | 20.4 – 25.9Ib | 9.2-11.7kg |
| 2 – 12 years | 26.51Ib – 91.5Ib | 12.0 – 41.5kg |
| 13 – 19 years | 101.0 – 126.0Ib | 45.8 – 57.1kg |
Weight Ratio Chart For Male Children
| Age | Weight (Ib) | Weight (Kg) |
| 0 -11months | 7.4 – 20.8Ib | 3.3 – 9.4kg |
| 12 – 3months | 21.3 – 26.3Ib | 9.6 – 11.9kg |
| 2 – 12 years | 27.51Ib – 91.5Ib | 12.5 – 39.9kg |
| 13 – 19 years | 101.0 – 126.0Ib | 68.9 – 68.9kg |
However, weight ratio charts are not accurate measures to depend on. It only represents a rough average. To get the best from these chats, combine them with a BMI calculator for kids.
How Regular Should You Check Your Child’s Weight
Ideally, you should check your child’s weight every three months. It is also important you check their heights as well. It is also important to check your child’s nutritional requirements and physical activities.
A child or teen can be underweight because of some eating disorders. Examples of such disorders are; anorexia or bulimia. And, a child with such a disorder needs medical attention.
Being underweight can come with several symptoms. These symptoms include; frequent cough, fever, and diarrhea. Also, you should visit a doctor if a child shows any of these symptoms. And do not fall under their average weight or height.
Why Should I Use BMI To Weigh Yourself
CDC recommends BMI (Bony Mass Index) for calculating weights. BMI is good because it compares your weight to your height. For instance, a tall person weighing 170 may not be overweight.
However, they could be overweight if they are short with the same amount of weight. You can calculate your BMI by visiting the CDC’s Adult BMI Calculator. A normal weight according to BMI calculation ranges from 18.5 – 24.9. Weighing less than 18.5 means you’re underweight.
Also, weighing 25.0 – 29.9 shows you’re overweight. An obese person should weigh 30 and higher. However, this calculation may differ for someone with a large amount of body muscle. It is because muscle weighs more than fat.
Is BMI Accurate For Calculating Weight
A person’s weight depends on many factors like age, height, gender, and body frame size. Since BMI records only weight and height, we can say it isn’t accurate enough.
So, if BMI isn’t accurate for calculating weight, what is? You can determine your weight by using the ideal body weight calculation.
Ideal body weight is the best way to determine your weight. The calculation takes into account weight, height, gender, and frame size. So, it’s a lot better than BMI.
The equation for ideal body weight is; for women: 100 Ibs + (5 Ibs x height in inches over 5 feet tall) + or – 10%
For men: 106 + (6 Lbs x height in inches over 5 feet tall) + or – 10%
Let’s have a little example shall we; For instance, If you’re a 5.5 feet tall woman, you’ll do this; 100 + (5 Lbs x 5 inches taller than 5 feet). It will result in 100 + 25 = 125Ibs.
Thus; 125 Lbs – 10% = 112 Lbs or 125 Lbs + 10% = 138 Lbs.
So, the ideal body weight for a 5.5 woman will range from 112 – 138 Ibs. A healthy weight may be closer to the lower range for a woman having a small frame size. A large frame may be at the high end and a medium frame size closer to the middle.
However, this may not turn out to be the same for a muscular woman. She would have a healthy weight on the higher end of the range. However, most times, she may exceed the range slightly because of the extra muscle.
Again, this can also differ by age. Let’s take a woman over 70 as an example. Most likely, a woman of this age would be healthier at the high end of this range.
Does Body Metabolism Affected How You Weigh
Metabolism is the conversion of food to energy. Now, metabolism can be slow or fast. People that boast a slow metabolism tend to gain weight more easily than people with a fast metabolism. Sounds ironic, doesn’t it?
So, to gain weight, you have to slow down your metabolism rate. And to lose weight, you’ll need to quicken it.
Now, how can you slow down your metabolism rate?
One way to slow down your rate is to consume more calories. Calories give your body energy. However, eating too many calories could lead to excess weight gain. So you have to burn enough of them off by exercising.
Intake of calories varies depending on age, metabolism and some physical activities, etc. Generally, Women are advised to take 2,000 calories daily. And men are to consume 2,500 daily.
The second way of slowing metabolism is low-intensity exercise. Exercising helps to build muscles. Exercising also repairs damaged fibers by fusing them. And this increases the mass and size of the muscles.
Another way to slow down metabolism is to get enough sleep and rest. Metabolism slows about 15% while you’re asleep. It reaches its lowest level in the morning.
Skipping meals can also cause your metabolism to slow down. Here’s the logic – skipping meals for a long time causes your cells and body to crave food. And this can cause you to eat a lot.
There is a lot more you can do to slow your metabolism. But, whether you want to gain some pounds or lose some, be sure your weight is healthy.
How To Maintain A Healthy Body Weight
Being lean doesn’t mean you’re unhealthy. However, if you weigh below, being underweight becomes a concern when it affects your health. Earlier, we mentioned some factors that determine an ideal weight range. And, body frame size is an important factor.
Let’s talk a bit about body frame size, shall we?
The body frame size is categorized into small, medium and large frame sizes. So, some people may have a lighter and smaller frame. Likewise, some others may have a heavier and bigger frame.
So, a small frame size can’t weigh the same as one with a medium or large frame size. It’s quite easy to determine your body frame.
Here’s how you do it; Wrap your thumb and middle finger around your wrist. If your fingers overland, you have a small frame. However, if they meet, it means you have a medium frame. For one with a large frame, your fingers won’t meet.
Having said all of that, how then can you maintain a healthy weight?
Increase your water intake:
Ideally, you should have a minimum of 8 glasses of water daily. Regular water intake helps your body work well. Water has several health benefits.
Water aids digestion and boosts your strength. Also, it removes toxins naturally. Don’t forget that staying hydrated keeps you healthy.
Exercise regularly:
Regular exercise does a lot to your body. However, it is important you know the right workout for you. Exercising gives you a strong and healthy feel. Also, it helps your body fight diseases.
Adjust your calorie intake:
Calories are good for maintaining a good weight. However, increase your intake of calories gradually. You can start with a little portion and increase as your weight gets better.
For instance, if you gained a bit more weight, take away some calories. It then means that you should constantly check your weight. It is best if you check your weight once every week.
Increase daily intake of vitamins: vitamins are essential to staying healthy. Vitamins are contained in vegetables and fruits. It is advisable to take fruit and vegetables 6-8 times daily.
Conclusion
A 14-year-old weighs within the range of 104 – 112.0Ibs. However, the weight of a 14-year-old is also determined by gender and height.
So, two 14-year-olds with a height difference may differ in weight. The same goes for those of different genders.
Again, other factors also affect how much a child should weigh. These factors include; health factors, genetic factors, eating habits and lots others.
You can calculate your child’s weight with the BMI calculator for kids. It is also ideal for checking your child’s weight once every three months.
