Ben Nguyen 
Whether we like to admit it or not, our height and weight play an important role in determining our eligibility for life insurance coverage as well as the premiums we’ll pay. Insurance companies use height and weight measurements to calculate body mass index, which gives them an indication of overall health and mortality risk.
For women shopping for life insurance in Canada, understanding how your height, weight and BMI may impact your policy options and costs is crucial. This will allow you to make an informed decision and find the right coverage at the best available rate.
This guide examines the average height and weight for women in Canada, how height and weight affect life insurance eligibility and premiums, steps you can take to improve your build, the role of genetics in determining height, and associations between height and health.
Average Height and Weight of Canadian Women
Let’s start by looking at the average height and weight for women across Canada today. However, keep in mind that Canadian women come in all shapes and sizes, so these averages may not reflect your individual measurements.
Average Height of Canadian Women Has Increased Over Time
Data from the Worlddata.info indicates that the average height for Canadian women is currently around 5’5″ (165 cm). This reflects an increase over the past century, as Canadian women have grown taller over time. (source: https://www.worlddata.info/average-bodyheight.php)
Back in the early 1900s, the average height for women in Canada was about 5’1″ (157 cm). After 1940, average female height surpassed 5’3″ (161.7 cm), and women have continued growing taller in the decades since. (source: https://ourworldindata.org/grapher/average-height-of-women?tab=chart&country=~CAN)
While Canadians have steadily grown taller, the global population has as well. Countries like Latvia and the Netherlands now boast the world’s tallest women, averaging 5’7″. Genetic and environmental factors influencing height likely account for variations across countries.
Average Weight and BMI Also on the Rise
Along with increases in height, the average weight and body mass index (BMI) of Canadian women have also trended upward over the past decades. Data from the Worlddata.info indicates that the average weight for Canadian women is currently around 161.4 lbs (73.2 kg).
In the early 1900s, average weights for women were generally lower compared to modern standards. Estimates suggest that the average weight for women in Canada in the early 1900s was around 130-140 lbs (59-64 kg). This is based on historical health and nutrition data, though it’s important to note that such figures can vary.
The average BMI for Canadian women rose from 24.1 in 1980 to 26.7 in 2014, crossing over from the “normal weight” range to “overweight”. (source: https://globalnews.ca/news/108430/canadian-women-getting-fat-fast-global-study/) . Approximately 29.5% of Canadian women were overweight, and 30.1% were obese in 2022. (source: https://www.statista.com/statistics/1317268/overweight-obesity-among-canadians-by-sex/)
Regional variations in average height and weight exist across Canada’s provinces and territories. British Columbia consistently ranks as the healthiest province, while areas like Newfoundland and Nunavut face greater health challenges.
Factors Influencing Average Height and Weight for Women in Canada
The averages and trends we see in height and weight measurements among Canadian women stem from various influencing factors. Understanding what impacts the averages can provide context around your personal height and weight profile.
Genetics Account for Up to 80% of Height
Genetic differences passed down from parents are responsible for up to 80% of the variations in height seen across individuals. The many genes influencing growth and development largely dictate how tall or short each person becomes in their family’s lineage.
This explains why height strongly correlates between generations – tall parents often have tall children. Genetic potential sets the parameters for each person’s height range.
Childhood Environment Impacts Growth Trajectory
The remaining approximately 20% of height determined by non-genetic factors stems largely from environmental influences during childhood and adolescence.
Nutrition intake, disease exposures, socioeconomic status and other childhood factors can nudge an individual’s height within their genetically predisposed range.
Canadians have grown taller over the past century partly due to improved nutrition, healthcare, and living standards facilitating better growth. Childhood environmental conditions help optimize genetic height potential.
Many Factors Contribute to Rising Obesity
On the weight side, multiple variables have contributed to the climbing average weights and rates of overweight/obesity among Canadian women:
- Increased calorie intake – Canadians consume more processed and restaurant foods high in sugars, refined grains and unhealthy fats compared to decades past.
- Larger portion sizes – Marketplace food portions far exceed federal serving size guidelines, promoting overeating.
- Sedentary lifestyles – A small proportion of Canadian adults meet exercise guidelines, while screen time has exploded. Inactivity promotes weight gain.
- Endocrine disruptors – Chemicals interfering with metabolism may play a role in the obesity epidemic.
- Microbiome – Gut bacteria composition influences weight regulation and risk of obesity.
While complex, understanding variables impacting average population weight empowers individuals to buck detrimental trends through smart lifestyle choices.
The Complex Link Between Height & Weight and Health Outcomes
Genetic and environmental factors that program our height may also influence risk for certain health conditions later in life. Let’s examine what research says about the association between height and longevity, heart health and cancer risk.
Obesity Elevates Risk of Chronic Diseases
Carrying excess weight in the overweight or obese BMI range raises women’s risk of developing numerous chronic diseases:
- Heart disease and stroke
- Type 2 diabetes
- High blood pressure
- High cholesterol
- Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease
- Osteoarthritis and joint problems
- Certain cancers like breast, uterine and colorectal cancers
The dangers of obesity are well established and represent leading public health threats for Canadian women. Shedding pounds to reach a healthy BMI delivers major risk reduction.
Taller People May Live Longer With Fewer Heart Problems
It’s true that taller people, on average, live longer lives with a reduced risk of cardiovascular issues like heart attacks.
For example, a 150,000-person study found that women shorter than 5 feet had double the risk of developing heart disease compared to women over 5’7″.
Proposed explanations include higher blood pressure in shorter individuals. Height may also correlate with favourable lipid profiles and glycemic control.
Of course, avoiding obesity, not smoking, regular exercise and other lifestyle factors clearly trump height alone when it comes to optimizing heart health.
Potential Links Between Height and Cancer Require More Study
The relationship between height and cancer risk has been extensively studied but remains complex and controversial. Some analyses associate above-average height with modestly increased risks of cancers like breast cancer, ovarian cancer and melanoma. However, confounding variables and measurement errors make it difficult to isolate height as an independent risk factor. Other studies show no definitive pattern.
If legitimate risk associations exist, they likely stem from molecular pathways influencing both growth and tumour development. Childhood energy intake also modestly correlates with adult height and certain cancers.
But again, avoiding smoking, limiting alcohol, and other dietary measures are far more important for reducing cancer rather than focusing on achieving some “optimal” height. More research is still required to untangle the conflicting connections between height and cancer.
How Height and Weight Affect Eligibility for Life Insurance for Canadian Women
Now that we’ve examined average height and weight measurements, let’s look at how your individual height and weight affect eligibility for life insurance coverage in Canada.
Height, Weight and BMI Allow Insurers to Assess Health Risks
When you apply for individual life insurance, the insurance company will ask for your current height and weight. They use this information to calculate your body mass index (BMI) and assign a risk classification.
BMI provides insurers with an indication of your overall health based on the relationship between your weight and height:
- BMI less than 18.5 = Underweight
- BMI 18.5-24.9 = Healthy Weight
- BMI 25-29.9 = Overweight
- BMI over 30 = Obese
If your BMI falls in the overweight or obese ranges, you may be considered at higher risk for health conditions like heart disease, diabetes and stroke. These illnesses can increase the chances of premature death, which insurers want to avoid paying out.
As a result, having a higher BMI can lead to higher life insurance premiums or outright denial of coverage. On the other hand, a BMI in the healthy range can qualify you for lower premiums.
Those With High BMI May Face Challenges Getting Coverage
Unfortunately, if you currently have a high BMI placing you in the obese category, you may face challenges getting approved for individually underwritten life insurance policies with mainstream insurers.
You may be quoted premiums up to 1.5 times higher than someone with a healthy BMI, assuming you can get coverage at all.
Declined applicants may feel like they are being “penalized” by insurers for their weight. However, insurers argue that higher premiums accurately reflect the increased mortality risks posed by obesity-related illnesses.
Impact Varies By Insurer Underwriting Practices
Each insurer uses BMI ranges a bit differently during underwriting. Some take a more lenient approach while others adhere to stricter guidelines.
For example, Insurer A may offer standard rates up to BMI 30, while Insurer B declines any applicant over BMI 28. Insurer C provides ratings up to BMI 40.
Working with an experienced broker allows you to find the carrier offering the best BMI thresholds for your particular situation. Never just accept one quoted premium without shopping around!
Options Do Exist for Overweight or Obese Applicants
If you find yourself facing higher premiums or denials due to a high BMI, don’t give up – options exist! Consider the following:
- Traditional Insurance: You may still qualify with certain life insurers using lenient BMI criteria or that consider other health factors beyond just BMI. An experienced broker can help you find options and advocate for the best rate.
- Simplified Issue: These “simplified” policies only require answering a few health questions and undergoing basic medical screening. Approval is easier for bigger applicants, but maximum coverage is lower.
- Guaranteed Issue: Guaranteed issue life insurance policies approve applicants regardless of health or BMI but offer lower benefit amounts with higher pricing.
- Group Insurance: Check if you can obtain group life insurance through an employer or association you belong to, which often has more relaxed underwriting standards.
Working with an independent broker familiar with high BMI cases allows bigger applicants to find coverage despite facing challenges from some mainstream life insurers. Never settle for just one quoted premium without exploring all options first!
Life Insurance Companies Build Tables Examples
To further illustrate how height and weight criteria are used by life insurance companies, let’s examine some examples using the published guidelines from Sun Life and Empire Life.
Sun Life Build Table Examples
Let’s examine Sun Life’s standard Build table for life insurance underwriting purposes. Here are some examples applying their criteria:
| Height | Average Weight (Standard) | Borderline Zone Standard to 150% (Standard to Rated D) | Rateable 150% to 350% (Rated D to N) | Declined If Exceeds |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5’2″ | 93-180 lbs | 181-197 lbs | 198-273 lbs | 273 lbs |
| 5’5″ | 102-198 lbs | 199-216 lbs | 217-300 lbs | 300 lbs |
| 5’7″ | 109-211 lbs | 212-230 lbs | 231-319 lbs | 319 lbs |
The Sun Life height and weight table provides a wide range of weights that can qualify for standard or rated premiums.
For example, at 5’5″ – the average height for Canadian women – the table shows a standard weight range of 102 lbs to 198 lbs. This accommodates underweight to overweight BMIs. Women within this standard range pay the lowest premiums.
The table also provides a borderline zone of up to 216 lbs for a 5’5″ woman. Applicants in this range may qualify for standard rates or a slight rating, depending on other health factors.
Even overweight and moderately obese applicants can receive coverage, albeit with higher ratings. The table shows that 5’5″ women up to 300 lbs may be offered rates at 150% to 350% of standard premiums.
Declined weights are set much higher – at 300 lbs for a 5’5″ woman. This ensures most applicants receive an offer of coverage at some rating level, unless extreme obesity is present.
Overall, the Sun Life table offers broad weight allowances across all height ranges before declining applicants. This helps applicants who are overweight access coverage.
Empire Life Preferred Criteria Examples
Empire Life uses preferred criteria for policies over $1 million. Here are some examples:
| Height | Elite Non-Smoker Max Weight | Preferred Non-Smoker/Smoker Max Weight |
|---|---|---|
| 5’2″ | 145 lbs | 155 lbs |
| 5’5″ | 159 lbs | 170 lbs |
| 5’7″ | 169 lbs | 181 lbs |
Compared to Sun Life, the Empire Life table provides more stringent weight limits, especially for Elite ratings.
For a 5’5″ woman, the maximum weight to qualify for Elite premium discounts is 159 lbs. This rewards women with BMIs in the healthy or low-overweight ranges.
The table also sets a lower maximum of 170 lbs for Preferred ratings at this height. This accommodates women up to the obese Category I (BMI 30-34.9).
The reduced weight allowances enable Empire Life to offer deeper premium discounts to applicants with lower BMIs and reduced mortality risk.
However, the criteria are not overly restrictive. The Preferred rating remains attainable for many overweight applicants, ensuring fair access to competitive pricing.
Global Rankings: Where Canadian Women’s Height and Weight Stand Compared to Other Countries
On a global scale, how does the average height and weight of Canadian women compare to females in other countries around the world? Using data from worlddata.info, we can see where Canada ranks for these measurements.
Canadian Women are Taller Than Global Average But Not the Tallest
With an average height of 5’4″ (163 cm), Canadian women are taller than the worldwide average female height of about 5’3″ (161 cm). However, Canadian women rank only 40th for average female height globally in 2022. There are dozens of nations where women grow even taller on average:
Top 5 Countries for Tallest Women’s Average Height
| Country | Average Height |
|---|---|
| Latvia | 5’7″ (170 cm) |
| Netherlands | 5’7″ (170 cm) |
| Estonia | 5’6″ (168 cm) |
| Denmark | 5’6″ (169 cm) |
| Iceland | 5’6″ (168 cm) |
Bottom 5 Countries for Shortest Women’s Average Height
| Country | Average Height |
|---|---|
| Guatemala | 4’11” (151 cm) |
| Philippines | 5’0″ (154 cm) |
| Indonesia | 5’0″ (154 cm) |
| East Timor | 4’11” (152 cm) |
| Bangladesh | 4’11” (152 cm) |
So, while Canadian women are reasonably tall by global standards, Northern European nations and parts of the Baltic region produce the tallest females on average. Canadian women rank taller than females in Asia, Africa and South America.
Canadian Women’s Average Weight also Higher Than Global But Not Heaviest
The average weight of Canadian women is around 161 lbs (73 kg) as of 2022. This is heavier than the global female average of around 137 lbs (62 kg). Canada ranks 48th for women’s average weight worldwide. Here are the top 5 heaviest and lightest countries:
Top 5 Heaviest Average Women’s Weight
| Country | Average Weight |
|---|---|
| Tonga | 211 lbs (96 kg) |
| American Samoa | 219 lbs (99 kg) |
| Cook Islands | 209 lbs (95 kg) |
| Niue | 205 lbs (93 kg) |
| French Polynesia | 186 lbs (84 kg) |
Bottom 5 Lightest Average Women’s Weight
| Country | Average Weight |
|---|---|
| Ethiopia | 118 lbs (54 kg) |
| Eritrea | 119 lbs (54 kg) |
| Bangladesh | 120 lbs (54 kg) |
| East Timor | 111 lbs (50 kg) |
| Burundi | 114 lbs (52 kg) |
In summary, Canadian women are reasonably tall and heavy compared to global averages, but countries in Northern Europe and Polynesia produce taller and heavier women overall. Canadian females rank heavier than Asian populations on average.
In addition to the Average Height and Weight of Canadian Women articles, we also provide other analysis articles about Canadian people, such as:
Conclusion
A Canadian woman’s height and weight directly impact her eligibility for life insurance and pricing of coverage. Insurers use your dimensions as part of assessing overall mortality risk. Women who are very short or tall, or carry more weight, may encounter challenges finding affordable policies.
However, focus on showcasing your holistic health status, not just height and weight. Work with an experienced broker to cast a wide net and find insurers who take a more lenient approach. With diligence, most Canadian women can obtain reasonably priced life insurance regardless of their build.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What is the average height for women in Canada?
A: The average height for women in Canada is about 5'5" (165 cm).
Q: What is considered a tall height for a woman in Canada?
A: In Canada, a woman over 5'8" is generally considered tall.
Q: What is the average weight for Canadian women?
A: The average weight for Canadian women is approximately 161 lbs (73 kg).
Q: How does height impact life insurance eligibility in Canada?
A: Insurers use height to calculate BMI, which assesses health risk. Very short or very tall applicants may face challenges.
Q: Does being tall affect life insurance rates?
A: Yes, very tall women may have slightly higher premiums as research shows increased cancer risks. Rates are based on overall health.
Q: How does being overweight impact life insurance premiums?
A: Higher BMIs indicating overweight/obesity may result in rated premiums or denial depending on severity. Losing weight can lower rates.
Q: What are the BMI thresholds used for life insurance underwriting?
A: Typical thresholds are 18.5-24.9 (healthy), 25-29.9 (overweight), and 30+ (obese). Higher BMIs incur ratings or declines.
Q: How accurate are life insurance height and weight charts?
A: Charts provide guidelines only. Final decisions account for your complete health profile, not just height/weight.
Q: Do life insurers measure or rely on self-reported height?
A: Insurers typically rely on self-reported data. Measurements may occur for large policies or if fraud is suspected.
Q: What is the average height and weight for women by province in Canada?
A: Average height and weight can vary slightly by province. Those with highest life expectancies like B.C. tend to have lower BMIs.
Q: Should shorter women expect to pay higher life insurance premiums?
A: Not necessarily - rating is based primarily on BMI. A 5'0 woman at a healthy weight can qualify for preferred rates.
Q: Are taller women always charged more for life insurance coverage?
A: No, taller women within a healthy BMI range don't necessarily pay higher premiums. Overall health is most important.
