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What Is the Average Weight for Men in the Philippines?

Published 04/07/2025

Updated 04/07/2025

If you're trying to get healthier or track your fitness goals, one of the first questions you might ask is: “What’s the average weight for men in the Philippines?” It’s a fair question—and one that’s more relevant than ever as more Filipino men take interest in weight loss, strength training, and overall well-being.

But let’s be clear: average doesn’t always mean healthy. And healthy doesn’t always mean thin. In this guide, we’ll break down what the data says about men’s average weight in the Philippines, how it compares to global figures, what factors influence it, and what really matters when it comes to your own goals.

What Is the Average Weight for Men in the Philippines?

According to the latest data from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), the average weight for Filipino men aged 20 and above ranges between 60 to 70 kilograms (132 to 154 pounds). This is based on national nutrition surveys and demographic health studies that track body weight, height, and BMI trends across the country.

It’s important to note that this number varies based on age group, region, and lifestyle. Men living in more urbanized areas, for instance, often weigh more than those in rural provinces due to differences in diet, physical activity, and income.

For context:

Men aged 20–29: average around 64–67 kg
Men aged 30–49: average 66–69 kg
Men aged 50+: average closer to 62–65 kg

Younger men, particularly in their 20s and 30s, often weigh slightly more due to higher muscle mass and more access to gyms and fitness culture, especially in cities like Metro Manila, Cebu, and Davao.

How Does This Compare to Other Countries?

Filipino men tend to weigh less than their counterparts in countries like the US, UK, or Australia. According to the World Health Organization, the average weight for adult men in:

United States: 89–91 kg (196–200 lbs)
United Kingdom: 83–85 kg (183–187 lbs)
Japan: 68–71 kg (150–157 lbs)
South Korea: 73–75 kg (161–165 lbs)

These figures highlight significant differences in national averages, influenced by diet, culture, healthcare systems, food access, and body composition expectations. The Western diet tends to be more calorie-dense and higher in saturated fats, processed sugars, and portion sizes, which contribute to higher average weights.

Height, Frame Size, and Body Composition in Filipino Men

It’s also worth noting that the average height for Filipino men is around 5'4" to 5'5" (163–165 cm)—shorter than global averages. This influences the national weight range. Someone who’s shorter will naturally weigh less to maintain a healthy BMI.

Beyond height, frame size plays a role in healthy weight. Two men of the same height may have different ideal weights depending on bone density and muscle mass. For example, someone with a larger build (wider shoulders, thicker bones) will weigh more even if they have a healthy fat percentage.

This is why BMI (Body Mass Index) should never be your only tool. It can be useful, but it doesn’t distinguish between muscle and fat.

What About BMI?

BMI (Body Mass Index) is a common way to estimate whether your weight falls within a healthy range. It’s calculated by dividing your weight (in kilograms) by your height (in meters squared).

For men in the Philippines, the average BMI is around 23 to 24, which falls within the World Health Organization’s “normal” range (18.5 to 24.9). However, BMI is best used as a screening tool—not a diagnosis.

According to the Philippine Heart Association, waist circumference is also a key metric:

Ideal waist size for men: under 90 cm (35.4 inches)
Larger waistlines are strongly linked to hypertension, insulin resistance, and cardiovascular risk

You can be within the normal BMI range and still have high visceral fat (fat around the organs), which is a higher risk factor for disease than subcutaneous fat.

Factors That Influence Average Weight in the Philippines

1. Dietary Habits

Traditional Filipino diets are high in carbohydrates—rice being the biggest contributor. Meals often consist of rice paired with fatty meats (longganisa, tapa, tocino), fried dishes, or salty viands like tinapa or instant noodles.

In urban centers, diets tend to include more processed food and sugary beverages like soft drinks and milk tea, contributing to higher caloric intake and weight gain.

2. Physical Activity

Many Filipinos still have active lifestyles, especially in rural areas where daily activities involve walking, biking, or manual labor. However, office-based work, online jobs, and long commutes in urban areas have increased sedentary behaviors.

3. Economic Status

Surprisingly, both underweight and overweight individuals are seen in low-income communities. Undernutrition can come from food scarcity, while overnutrition often results from cheap, calorie-dense food options that lack nutrients.

4. Sleep and Stress

High stress and poor sleep—common in city life—can lead to weight gain due to increased cortisol levels and disrupted metabolism. Many men experience sleep deprivation due to shift work or commuting hours, which affects weight and appetite control.

5. Cultural Norms

There’s still some stigma around men caring too much about their appearance or weight. But this is changing fast, especially with the rise of online fitness content and gym culture. Many younger men are now more health-aware and open to tracking their progress and setting fitness goals.

Should You Compare Yourself to the Average?

Not necessarily. The “average” weight just gives you a snapshot of national trends—it doesn’t reflect your unique genetics, lifestyle, or goals.

If you're aiming to improve your health, focus on:

Body composition (muscle vs. fat)
Energy levels and how you feel daily
Blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar levels
Consistency in diet and physical activity

Health isn’t just about numbers—it’s about function, quality of life, and how you’re taking care of yourself over time.

Healthy Weight Loss (or Gain) for Filipino Men

Whether your goal is to slim down or bulk up, it’s all about sustainable habits.

For Weight Loss:

Create a small calorie deficit (around 300–500 kcal/day)
Prioritize protein and fiber to stay full
Move regularly (at least 30 minutes/day of activity)
Get enough sleep and manage stress (cortisol affects weight)
Track your meals if needed for accountability

For Weight Gain:

Increase calories gradually (ideally 250–500 kcal/day)
Eat more frequently—3 meals and 2–3 snacks
Prioritize high-protein and calorie-dense foods like eggs, chicken, nuts, rice, and oats
Strength train 3–4x per week to build lean mass
Use progress photos and measurements alongside the scale

Final Thoughts

The average weight for men in the Philippines is helpful for general context—but it shouldn’t define your goals. What matters more is how you feel, how your body functions, and whether you’re building habits that support your long-term health.

If you're curious about how your current weight stacks up—or you’re starting a journey to lose or gain—consider talking to a healthcare provider or using digital tools like smart scales or body composition analyzers.

And remember: healthy looks different on everyone. Aim for better, not just lighter. Build habits that last, focus on energy and performance, and let the numbers support (not define) your journey.