Government releases figures on changes in Americans' weight and height
WASHINGTON Americans' waistlines are growing faster than their height. The government says adults are roughly an inch taller than in the 1960s, on average. But they're nearly 25 pounds heavier.
Between 1960 and 1962, the average man weighed just over 166 pounds. Forty years later, it was up to 191 pounds. Women's weight rose from 140 to 164 pounds over the same period.
Men's height has increased from five-eight to five-foot-nine-and-half inches. Women have gone from five-three to five-four.
Taking into account weight and height, the average Body Mass Index has increased from about 25 to 28. Anyone with a B-M-I of 25 and up is considered overweight. Thirty and up is considered obese.
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