The average weight for a 13-year-old boy is between 75 and 145 pounds, while the average for a 13-year-old girl is between 76 and 148 pounds. A child’s weight can depend on unique factors.
For boys, the 50th percentile of weight is 100 pounds. For girls, the 50th percentile is 101 pounds. It’s important to note that anywhere in that range is considered average, and not by itself considered overweight or underweight.
Puberty follows a unique timeline for each individual child. From the time it starts, kids may grow as much as 10 inches and gain muscle, fat, and bone as their bodies develop to adult form. These changes may happen suddenly and involve rapid weight gain, which may lead to feelings of self-consciousness as children adjust to their new bodies. Some may enter puberty as early as age 8. Others may not begin until they reach their early teens. As a result, there’s a wide range of “normal” weights, shapes, and sizes.
The weight range for 13-year-old boys is between
Weight
| 5th percentile | 75 pounds |
| 10th percentile | 80 pounds |
| 25th percentile | 88 pounds |
| 50th percentile | 100 pounds |
| 75th percentile | 116 pounds |
| 90th percentile | 133 pounds |
| 95th percentile | 145 pounds |
The weight range for 13-year-old girls is between
Weight
| 5th percentile | 76 pounds |
| 10th percentile | 80 pounds |
| 25th percentile | 89 pounds |
| 50th percentile | 101 pounds |
| 75th percentile | 116 pounds |
| 90th percentile | 135 pounds |
| 95th percentile | 148 pounds |
The true average weight of 13-year-olds is trickier to pin down. That’s because a number of things can influence body weight for young teens.
Rate of development
Children enter puberty sometime between 8 and 14 years old. If you take a sample of 13-year-old kids from the same room, you’ll see a wide range in body sizes and weights. Some kids may have finished the process while others are just beginning to go through the many changes that lead to physical maturation.
Height and body makeup
Your child’s height may also influence their weight. Taller kids may weigh more than shorter ones, but that’s not always the case. Bone density and muscle mass are two other important factors. There are many variations in body composition. Since muscle weighs more than fat, for example, a child who is more muscular may weigh more than a child who is leaner or one who has more fat in place of muscle.
Genetics
While diet and activity levels play a role, body shape and composition are also influenced by the genes children inherit from their parents. In other words, people from different genetic backgrounds often have different fat distributions or body compositions that may inherently influence body shape, size, and weight.
Location
Even where a child lives may influence their body size, height, and weight. This has to do with a number of things, including access to food, socioeconomic level, cultural practices, genetics, and other factors, like the
Body mass index (BMI) takes into account more than simple averages with regard to weight. It is a standard for calculating body fat percentage using height and weight without skinfold measurements or other more direct methods, like water weighing. With teens, BMI calculations also factor in age and sex, what’s referred to as “BMI-for-age.” This figure shows where your teen lands on the spectrum of other kids the same age.
To calculate your child’s BMI, use
| Less than 5th percentile | underweight |
| 5th percentile to 85th percentile | healthy weight |
| 85th percentile to 95th percentile | overweight |
| 95th percentile and greater | obese |
Why is this information important?
Kids who fall into the overweight and obese categories may be at a higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes, high cholesterol, or other weight-related health issues. That said, BMI is not always the most accurate measure, since it doesn’t take into account muscle mass or other factors that might affect weight, specifically muscle versus fat.
Your teen may have a number of questions about their changing body during puberty. Maintaining an open line of communication may help foster a positive body image and body confidence.
Educate your child on how puberty works
Explain that it’s part of normal development and that weight gain is part of the many changes they’ll encounter along the way.
Talk about positive self-image
Bodies come in all different shapes and sizes. It may be helpful to ask your child what they like about themselves. You can get in on this, too, and be sure to share characteristics beyond the physical. Steer language to the positive with bodies and body image. Words like “fat” or “skinny” or hurtful nicknames may distract from the issue at hand.
Discuss the messages from media
Talk about what your child sees on television, in movies, and online, such as music videos and social media. It may seem at times like there’s an “ideal” body type that’s shared, but encourage your teen to look beyond or even question these images.
Monitor your child’s internet habits
Some rules around device usage may help diffuse the negative messages around body image.
Help your teen develop healthy eating and exercise habits
Small changes can help with weight, include skipping sugary beverages or taking a short walk around the neighborhood.
Puberty is a time of physical change and emotional challenges. Averages and percentiles are important to consider, especially regarding the potential for obesity-related health issues that can arise in the teen years. That said, focusing on your child’s body image and self-talk is equally important work. If you have concerns about your child’s weight, development, or potential self-esteem issues, consider making an appointment to speak to a pediatrician.