Ben Nguyen 
Your height and weight are two of the most important factors that life insurance companies use to determine your eligibility and premiums. If your build falls outside the average range, you may worry about getting affordable coverage. This article will examine the average height and weight for men in Canada specifically, and detail how your body size affects qualifying for life insurance in Canada.
Understanding how insurers assess your height and weight allows you to shop for the best policy rates, even if you are taller, shorter, or heavier than the norm. We’ll also provide tips to find affordable coverage regardless of your dimensions.
Average Height and Weight for Men in Canada
According to WorldData, the average height for a Canadian man is 5 feet 10 inches (178 cm), while the average weight is 194.5 pounds (88.2 kg) (source: https://www.worlddata.info/average-bodyheight.php).
However, average height has gradually increased over the past century due to improved nutrition and healthcare. Data shows that Canadian men averaged 5 feet 7 inches (170.7 cm) in the early 1900s, compared to 5 feet 10 inches (177.8 cm) in the early 2000s, after 100 years (source: https://www.cbc.ca/news/health/height-growth-canada-1.3695398).
There are regional variations in average height across Canada, but detailedstatistics on differences by province are limited. Some studies have shown that men in Alberta, Ontario and British Columbia tend to be taller on average than those in the Maritime provinces. These regional distinctions highlight the various roles of childhood environment, nutrition, genetics and other factors that can influence adult stature.
However, further research is needed to quantify the precise differences in average heights across provinces. Overall, with the available national data, we can say the average Canadian man is around 5 feet 10 inches tall, with heights generally following a normal distribution around this mean.
Factors Influencing Average Height and Weight for Men in Canada
Your genetic makeup plays a major role in determining your adult height and weight. However, environmental factors in childhood also have significant effects. These include:
- Nutrition: A nutrient-rich diet supports proper growth and development. Deficiencies in protein, calories, vitamins, and minerals during youth can restrict height potential. Children need adequate nutrition to reach their full genetic height capacity.
- Illness/Disease: Chronic conditions that affect digestion and metabolism, such as celiac disease or inflammatory bowel disease, may result in stunted growth. Infections can also impair height gain by diverting nutrients away from growth needs. Missing growth milestones may indicate an underlying condition affecting height.
- Socioeconomic Status: Children from lower-income families tend to have shorter stature due to factors like food scarcity and greater exposure to pathogens. Limited access to medical care also contributes. Disadvantaged youth experience more illnesses that can inhibit growth.
- Psychosocial Stress: Stressful conditions in childhood arising from trauma, neglect, poverty, or adverse experiences may limit growth and account for variations in average height. Cortisol and other stress hormones can restrict growth if chronically elevated in early life.
Understanding how these childhood factors shape height and weight provides context on influencing variability between individuals and geographic regions. Your environmental exposures during developmental years contribute to your adult dimensions.
How A Man’s Height and Weight Affect His Mortality Risk
Your specific height and weight measurements affect your mortality risk and life expectancy. Insurance companies take this into account when evaluating applicants.
Shorter Men May Have Higher Cardiovascular Risk
Some research indicates men shorter than 5 feet 7 inches have a higher risk of developing cardiovascular conditions like coronary artery disease. Shorter men may have smaller artery diameters, making them more susceptible to dangerous blockages and blood clots. Having less surface area in the blood vessels means even small accumulations of plaque can rapidly impede blood flow. This quickly elevates the risk of heart attacks, strokes, and other complications.
However, lifestyle factors like diet, exercise, smoking, and stress also play key roles in cardiovascular disease risk. Making positive health changes can help minimize the risks associated with a shorter stature.
Very Tall Men May Have Elevated Cancer Risk
Studies show men over 6 feet 2 inches have a 10% higher risk of developing cancer compared to men of average height. The increased cell replication required to reach extreme heights could lead to more errors in cell division over a lifetime, raising cancer risk. The trillions of extra cell duplications give greater opportunity for DNA transcription mistakes that can lead to malignant transformations.
However, genetics and other factors also affect susceptibility. Getting screened regularly for common cancers can help mitigate this additional risk that comes with being exceptionally tall.
Overweight and Obesity Increase Disease Risk
Being overweight or obese significantly increases your chances of developing conditions like type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, and stroke. This is because excess body fat leads to harmful inflammation, insulin resistance, elevated cholesterol, and other detrimental metabolic changes. Having more adipose tissue directly harms cardiovascular health.
Maintaining a healthy weight is vital regardless of your height. Shedding even a modest amount of pounds through improved nutrition and exercise can dramatically improve biomarkers and reduce insurance risk ratings.
How A Man’s Body Build Affects Life Insurance
Your specific height-weight combination affects insurance eligibility and pricing in several key ways:
- Mortality Risk Assessment: Insurers use standardized build tables as a proxy for mortality risk. Typical weight ranges for given heights generally suggest lower risk, while unusual proportions often raise concerns about associated health conditions.
- Policy Rating Class: Height and weight outside the average range frequently lead to placement in higher premium rating classes. This is especially true if an unusual build is combined with other health issues like high blood pressure or cholesterol.
- Coverage Eligibility: In extreme cases of very low or high BMI, reflecting significant underweight or obesity, applicants may be declined altogether until reaching more typical proportions through lifestyle changes. Most insurers require BMIs between 18.5 and 39.9.
- Price of Coverage: Unusual body builds almost always mean paying higher premiums compared to individuals of average dimensions with similar medical histories. The greater the deviation from normal height/weight ranges, the costlier coverage becomes.
However, your actual health status is more important than meeting typical height-weight averages. Making positive lifestyle choices and properly managing any medical issues can help offset build-related price increases. Get a personalized quote to see how insurers view your individual situation.
Life Insurance Company Height and Weight Tables
Life insurers use standardized height and weight tables (life insurance build chart) to help assess mortality risk and determine policy ratings. Exceeding these guidelines results in ratings that increase premium costs.
Here is a sample build table for Sun Life showing the height/weight guidelines for Standard to Substandard classes at 5’0″, 5’10”, and 6’0″ males:
| Height | Average Weight Range | Borderline Overweight (Std to 150% rated) | Rateable Overweight (150-350% rated) | Declined If Exceeds |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5’0″ | 87-169 lbs | 170-184 lbs | 185-256 lbs | Over 256 lbs |
| 5’10” | 119-230 lbs | 231-251 lbs | 252 – 348 lbs | Over 348 lbs |
| 6’0″ | 125-243 lbs | 244-265 lbs | 266-369 lbs | Over 369 lbs |
For a 5’10” male, the average weight range is 119-230 lbs, according to Sun Life’s guidelines. From 231-251 lbs is considered borderline overweight and may be rated up to 150% over standard premium rates. Above 251 lbs is considered rateable overweight and may be rated between 150-350% over the standard rate class, depending on how far outside the average weight range. Coverage would be declined if weight exceeds 348 lbs for a 5’10” male.
This table demonstrates how Sun Life uses expanded average weight ranges but applies ratings when exceeding those thresholds.
Here is a sample build table for Empire Life showing the height/weight guidelines for Preferred and Elite classes at 5’0″, 5’10”, and 6’0″:
| Height | Elite Weight Limit | Preferred Weight Limit |
|---|---|---|
| 5’0″ | 138 lbs | 148 lbs |
| 5’10” | 185 lbs | 200 lbs |
| 6’0″ | 197 lbs | 213 lbs |
For Empire Life, staying within the Elite weight limits allows qualifying for the lowest premium rates. (Elite non-smoker : For individual with exceptional health and lowest risk lifestyle).
The Preferred class provides a slightly expanded weight range before moving to the Standard rating. (Preferred non-smoker : For individual with above average health and lower risk lifestyle).
Some key points:
- Empire Life uses more stringent thresholds compared to average weights.
- Meeting these stricter criteria is rewarded with discounted rates.
- Exceeding the limits results in a loss of Preferred/Elite eligibility.
This table demonstrates Empire Life’s philosophy of providing reduced Preferred/Elite pricing for applicants within proportional height/weight limits.
Read more: Average Height and Weight For Women in Canada
How Canadian Men’s Height and Weight Compare Globally
According to Worlddata, Canadian men are in the top 15% of tallest countries globally. The world’s tallest men on average are from the Netherlands at 184 cm (6 feet 0.4 inches). Out of 196 countries, Canada ranks 30th tallest for average adult male height.
In terms of weight, Canadian men are heavier than the global average at 88.2 kg (194.5 lbs). This places Canada in the top quarter of men’s average weight worldwide. The heaviest men on average are from Pacific Islands like the Cook Islands. But Canada still exceeds most European countries in average male weight. While not the absolute heaviest, Canadian men rank higher globally for weight due to good nutrition and economy. They are heavier than men from most other nations.
So, while Canadian men are above average globally in terms of both height and weight, they rank in the middle among developed Western nations. Our stature and mass are likely aided by good childhood nutrition and healthcare. However, many peer countries in Europe are, on average, taller and heavier.
Comparison of Canadian Male Height and Weight to Global Extremes :
| Country | Average Male Height | Average Male Weight |
|---|---|---|
| Netherlands | 183.8 cm (6’0″) | 84.4 kg (186 lb) |
| Montenegro | 183.3 cm (6’0″) | 85.5 kg (188 lb) |
| Estonia | 182.8 cm (6’0″) | 82.8 kg (183 lb) |
| Bosnia and Herzegovina | 182.5 cm (6’0″) | 85.2 kg (188 lb) |
| Iceland | 182.1 cm (5’11”) | 89.2 kg (197 lb) |
| … | … | … |
| Canada | 178 cm (5’10”) | 88.2 kg (194.5 lb) |
| … | … | … |
| Mozambique | 164.3 cm (5’5″) | 56.7 kg (125 lb) |
| Papua New Guinea | 163.1 cm (5’4″) | 62.2 kg (137 lb) |
| Solomon Islands | 163.1 cm (5’4″) | 64.5 kg (142 lb) |
| Laos | 162.8 cm (5’4″) | 57.1 kg (126 lb) |
| Timor-Leste | 160.1 cm (5’3″) | 56.4 kg (124 lb) |
This table shows a small sample of countries with taller and shorter statures than Canadian men. It illustrates how Canadian height and weight fall in the middle of the global spectrum.
The taller countries are all European nations. Their average male height exceeds that of Canadian men by 2-5 cm, or about 1-2 inches. This relatively small gap shows Canada still ranks taller than most of the world.
For weight, Canada’s men weigh much more on average than those from the shorter Southeast Asian nations shown. The difference ranges from 25-40 kg (55-90 lbs), highlighting Canada’s greater affluence. But a few Pacific countries top Canada’s average male weight.
So, while not leading globally, Canada’s male height and weight remain well above world averages, reflecting good nutrition and economic development. But some northern European and island countries stand even taller and heavier.
Tips for Managing Insurance Costs Based on Body Build
If your unusual body build means pricier coverage, several strategies can help reduce your costs:
- Improve diet, exercise, sleep and other health habits to optimize your overall mortality risk profile. Losing excess weight, quitting smoking, and lowering blood pressure or cholesterol levels through lifestyle changes make a big difference.
- Ask your doctor to provide detailed records showing your medical fitness to offset any build-related concerns. Having recent checkup results within ideal ranges are reassuring.
- Consider group life benefits from your employer which provide set coverage amounts without build requirements or health evaluations. This guarantees coverage regardless of size.
- Work with an independent broker who can shop extensively to find insurers with more favourable height-weight guidelines suited to your proportions. An expert advisor opens more options.
- Accept any extra premiums for shorter policy durations by getting guaranteed renewable term life insurance. Term coverage allows you to re-evaluate costs down the road after improving your health.
Your build does not have to be a barrier to affordable life insurance. With some smart strategies, you can secure the protection your family needs.
While your height and weight impact life insurance pricing, having a non-average build does not prevent you from getting affordable coverage. Shopping smart, looking at group plans, and improving your health habits make protection possible.
In addition to the Average Height and Weight for Men in Canada articles, we also provide other analysis articles about Canadian people, such as:
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What is the average weight for a 5'10" man in Canada?
A: According to the Canadian Community Health Survey, the average weight for a 5'10" man in Canada is around 181 lbs.
Q: What is considered a healthy weight range for men in Canada?
A: For a 5'10" man, Health Canada guidelines suggest a healthy BMI range of 18.5-24.9, which corresponds to a weight range of 132-179 lbs.
Q: At what point is a man considered obese in Canada?
A: A 5'10" man who weighs 209 lbs or more would be considered obese, based on a BMI of 30 or higher according to Health Canada standards.
Q: Do taller men get higher or lower life insurance rates in Canada?
A: Very tall men over 6'2" may pay somewhat higher premiums due to a slightly elevated risk of some cancers. But being tall alone is not a major rating factor.
Q: Do shorter men pay more for life insurance in Canada?
A: Yes, men under 5'7" may receive ratings that increase their life insurance costs due to the added risk of cardiovascular disease.
Q: Is being overweight or obese a rating factor for Canadian life insurance?
A: Yes, excess weight above the average range for your height will often lead to increased premium ratings from Canadian life insurers.
Q: Can I still get life insurance in Canada if I am declined for build?
A: Most insurers will offer coverage if your BMI is between 18.5 and 39.9 by applying higher premium ratings. Declines usually only occur under a BMI of 18.5.
Q: What is the best life insurer in Canada for overweight applicants?
A: Every company uses different build guidelines, so there is no one best insurer. Comparing quotes is key to finding the most favourable rates for your height and weight.
Q: Can I reapply at a lower rating if I lose weight after getting rated?
A: Many insurers will improve your rating class if you lose a significant amount of weight, providing you maintain the lower weight for a period of time.
Q: Do weight fluctuations matter when applying for life insurance?
A: Insurers look at your current and average baseline weight. Minor recent gains that do not reflect your normal weight are not concerning.
Q: Does being underweight affect life insurance eligibility in Canada?
A: Yes, having a BMI under 17 can result in a decline until you reach a minimum of 18.5. Low weights raise mortality concerns.
Q: What is the best way to save on life insurance if I am overweight?
A: Getting quotes from multiple insurers allows you to compare guidelines and find the one offering the most favourable rates for your build.
Q: Does being overweight affect all types of life insurance equally?
A: Yes, build is assessed similarly for term, whole life, and universal life policies in Canada when determining premiums.
Q: How often do life insurance build tables get updated in Canada?
A: Build charts are generally updated every few years to reflect the latest population weight trends and mortality experience.
Q: How does the average height of Canadian men compare to the global average?
A: The average height for Canadian men is 178 cm (5'10"), which is taller than the global average of 171 cm (5'7"). Canada ranks among the top 30 tallest nations in the world for male height.
Q: How does the average weight of Canadian men compare globally?
A: With an average weight of 88.2 kg (195 lbs), Canadian men are heavier than the global average of 77 kg (170 lbs). Canada ranks in the top 25 countries for heaviest average male weight.
Q: What country has the tallest average male height?
A: The Netherlands has the tallest men on average at 183 cm (6'0"). Canadian men are about 5 cm shorter on average than Dutch men.
Q: What factors contribute to the average height and weight of Canadian men?
A: Genetics, childhood nutrition, health conditions, and economic status all play roles in determining the average heights and weights of populations. Canada's prosperity and healthcare system help explain the above-average size of Canadian men.
Q: Are Canadian men getting taller over time?
A: Yes, Canadian male height has increased by about 6 cm over the past century. Improved nutrition and healthcare have led to increases in height across populations worldwide.
