BMI Result: 4ft 8in, 155 lbs (BMI 34.7) - Female

According to CDC and WHO standards, a BMI of 34.7 is classified as Obese.

Quick answer: A 4ft 8in female weighing 155 lbs has a BMI of 34.7, classified as Obese by CDC and WHO standards. The healthy weight range for this height is approximately 82–111 lbs.

A female who is 4ft 8in tall and weighs 155lbs has a BMI of 34.7, which falls into the Obese category used by the CDC and WHO for adults.

34.7
Obese
⚠️ BMI is a screening tool, not a diagnostic. It does not measure body fat directly. Learn more about how BMI is used.
Underweight Normal Overweight Obese
CategoryBMI Range
Underweight< 18.5
Obese ≥ 30
Obese≥ 30

Healthy weight range for 4ft 8in: 82 lbs – 111 lbs

Metric: 142.2 cm, 70.3 kg

📏 Healthy waist circumference for your height: 30" – 35" (below 35" for female)

So you're 4ft 8in and weigh 155lbs. Your BMI is 34.7, which falls into the Obese category according to CDC and WHO standards. Let's break down what this means for your health.

Adult BMI classification: CDC & WHO standard (effective 1998-present).

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Understanding Your BMI

A BMI of 30 or above indicates obesity. The CDC reports that this range is associated with a 50-60% higher risk of cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes. Comprehensive lifestyle intervention and medical guidance are strongly recommended.

Source: CDC Adult BMI Guidelines (2024)

What This Means for Your Height

For women under 5ft 2in, waist-to-height ratio is particularly important. Research suggests that even at a normal BMI, a waist-to-height ratio above 0.5 may indicate increased health risks.

Weight & Threshold

Gaining approximately 23.6 lbs would bring your BMI to 40, the start of the next category.

⬇️ Losing approximately 21.0 lbs would bring you to the Overweight BMI threshold.

Waist & Health

The CDC recommends that non-pregnant women keep waist circumference below 35 inches. A waist-to-height ratio below 0.5 is also associated with lower health risks.

Source: CDC Adult BMI Guidelines (2024)

Age Context

For children and teenagers (under 18), BMI is interpreted differently. Unlike adults, BMI for youth is age- and sex-specific, using percentiles from CDC growth charts. For a 14-year-old girl at 4ft 8in and 155lbs, a BMI of 34.7 would be evaluated using pediatric growth percentiles rather than the adult obese category.

👉 Use our Child BMI Calculator for a more accurate assessment for children and teens under 18.

👉 Visit our Kids BMI Percentile tool for detailed growth tracking.

Health Analysis

A BMI of 34.7 for a female with height 4ft 8in and weight 155lbs falls into the Obese category.

Recommendations

General Health

A BMI of 34.7 is in the obesity range defined by the CDC and WHO. This range is associated with a higher risk of cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes. Comprehensive lifestyle intervention and medical guidance are strongly recommended.

Monitoring

In addition to BMI, pay attention to waist circumference. The CDC recommends females stay under 35 inches. Regular tracking of your measurements over time provides the most useful insight into your health trends.

Next Steps

If you're concerned about your weight or body composition, a healthcare provider can offer personalized guidance based on your full health profile.

Personalized Notes

Goals

For a woman at 4ft 8in, the CDC recommends a healthy weight range of 82-111lbs. At 155lbs, you're above this range. Working with a healthcare provider to set a safe weight loss goal is recommended.

Monitoring

At 4ft 8in, schedule a comprehensive health checkup with your doctor. For women at this height, the CDC recommends keeping waist circumference below 35 inches. Regular monitoring of blood pressure and blood sugar is also important.

Always consult a healthcare provider for personalized medical advice.

Frequently Asked Questions

What else should I track besides BMI for a 4ft 8in woman?
In addition to BMI, waist circumference and body composition give a clearer picture of health. For a woman at 4ft 8in, keeping waist size below 35 inches is an important goal supported by CDC research.
What health risks are associated with a BMI of 34.7 for a 4ft 8in woman?
For a woman at 4ft 8in with a BMI of 34.7 (Obese), the obesity range is associated with a 50-60% higher risk of cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes. Regular check-ups and monitoring are recommended.
Am I at a healthy weight at 4ft 8in and 155lbs?
At 4ft 8in and 155lbs, a woman's BMI is 34.7, which is Obese. This falls into the CDC's obesity category (30+).
How do I calculate my BMI at 4ft 8in and 155lbs?
BMI is calculated as weight (lbs) × 703 ÷ height (in)². For a 4ft 8in woman at 155lbs, the calculation is 155 × 703 ÷ 56² = 34.7, which is Obese.

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💡 About this calculation: BMI = (155 × 703) ÷ (56 × 56) = 34.7 | Metric: 142.2 cm, 70.3 kg

📖 Recommended reading:

Content references CDC and WHO guidelines. For informational purposes only, not medical advice.

Editorial Review: This page was generated by the BMI Calculator Web Editorial Team and reviewed at template and content-pool level for accuracy and guideline alignment by Dr. Sarah K. Johnson, PhD, RD. All content is aligned with current WHO, CDC, and NIH guidelines.

Published: 2026-06-30

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