No, in general, girls are not heavier than boys. While there might be exceptions at certain ages or in specific individuals, the average weight for boys typically exceeds that of girls, particularly as they mature.
Factors Affecting Weight Differences
Several factors contribute to weight differences between boys and girls:
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Muscle Mass: Men generally have significantly more muscle mass than women. Muscle is denser than fat, resulting in a higher overall weight. (Saint Luke's Health System, Quora)
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Bone Density: Men also tend to have denser bones than women, further contributing to higher overall weight. (Saint Luke's Health System)
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Hormonal Influences: Testosterone in males promotes muscle growth, while estrogen in females influences fat distribution, particularly in the hips and thighs. (r/loseit)
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Growth Spurts: Girls experience their adolescent growth spurt earlier than boys. This means that for a brief period during puberty (around ages 10-14), girls may be taller and heavier on average than boys of the same age. (r/todayilearned) However, this is temporary; boys will eventually surpass girls in both height and weight.
Weight at Birth
Even at birth, boys are, on average, slightly heavier than girls. (Mumsnet, OHSU)
Conclusion
While there are exceptions and temporary periods where girls may weigh more than boys, the general trend demonstrates that boys tend to be heavier than girls.