Normal Weight Gain for Teen Boys

Gaining weight is a normal aspect of your life, regardless of gender. However, understanding the average or “normal” weight gain measurements for your body can be helpful in tracking your health as you age 1.

Gaining weight is a normal aspect of your life, regardless of gender. However, understanding the average or “normal” weight gain measurements for your body can be helpful in tracking your health as you age 1. Teen boys and girls experience a large number of physical changes, especially during puberty, which can include weight gain. For more information on normal weight gain for teen boys, speak to your physician or a licensed nutritionist.

Puberty

According to the Kidshealth website, many changes occur in young males as they enter puberty. However, there is not one specific physical change that a boy can expect when entering this stage of life. In fact, there are many changes, including a deepening voice, larger muscles, new hair growth on the body and weight gain. Most boys begin puberty long before their teen years, averaging between the ages of 9 and 14 years.

Weight Gain

According to the Irish Health website, boys between the ages of 13 and 17 will typically gain around 37 total pounds naturally 13. This is quite a growth spurt for only four years, and teen boys require a great deal of nutritional changes in order to keep up with this gain. Weight gain amounts differ from one male to the next due to differences in height, diet and genetics. However, weight gain drastically higher or lower than the average 37 pounds might be an indication of obesity or an eating disorder.

Energy

During their teen years, boys may have difficulty keeping up with their body’s increased need for energy. In fact, teens of both genders require a great deal of food energy as their bodies grow in both height and weight. Both males and females gain weight during their teen developmental years, averaging between 1 to 2 pounds a week. This number can fluctuate, however, and may not be typical for all teens.

Considerations

Obesity or malnutrition can occur at any age, regardless of gender. Teenage boys may require additional nutrition adjustments if they are involved in athletics due to an increased expenditure of energy 3. Nutritional supplements or diet plans should only be used after speaking to a licensed nutritionist or a general physician.