From the Research
The average weight of a fourth grader is approximately 70-85 pounds (31.8-38.6 kilograms), with variations based on factors like genetics, diet, and physical activity levels. This range is based on the most recent and highest quality study available, which considered the growth patterns and body mass index (BMI) percentiles of children in this age group 1.
Factors Influencing Weight
- Genetics: play a significant role in determining a child's weight and growth pattern
- Diet: a balanced diet with adequate nutrition is essential for healthy growth and development
- Physical activity levels: regular physical activity helps maintain a healthy weight and supports overall well-being
- Overall health status: certain medical conditions can affect a child's weight and growth
Assessing Healthy Weight
Rather than focusing solely on weight, healthcare providers consider a child's growth curve over time and their BMI percentile compared to other children of the same age and gender to assess whether their growth is appropriate 2.
Key Considerations
- Boys and girls at this age may have slightly different average weights, with boys sometimes weighing slightly more on average
- Healthy weights exist across a spectrum, and individual children may fall above or below this average range while still maintaining healthy development
- Socioeconomic inequalities in childhood obesity have been reported, with obesity more common in deprived groups 1