BMI Result: 5ft 0in, 173 lbs (BMI 33.8) - Male
According to CDC and WHO standards, a BMI of 33.8 is classified as Obese.
A male who is 5ft 0in tall and weighs 173lbs has a BMI of 33.8, which falls into the Obese category used by the CDC and WHO for adults.
| Category | BMI Range |
|---|---|
| Underweight | < 18.5 |
| Obese | ≥ 30 |
| Obese | ≥ 30 |
Healthy weight range for 5ft 0in: 95 lbs – 128 lbs
Metric: 152.4 cm, 78.5 kg
📏 Healthy waist circumference for your height: 35" – 40" (below 40" for male)
So you're 5ft 0in and weigh 173lbs. Your BMI is 33.8, which falls into the Obese category according to CDC and WHO standards. Let's break down what this means for your health.
Adjust Your Numbers
Change your height or weight to see how your BMI changes.
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.
What This Means for Your Height
For men under 5ft 5in, abdominal fat is a key health indicator. Even with a normal BMI, excess belly fat can increase cardiovascular risk.
Weight & Threshold
Gaining approximately 31.7 lbs would bring your BMI to 40, the start of the next category.
⬇️ Losing approximately 19.5 lbs would bring you to the Overweight BMI threshold.
Waist & Health
The CDC recommends that men keep waist circumference below 40 inches. A waist-to-height ratio below 0.5 is also associated with lower health risks.
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 10-year-old boy at 5ft 0in and 173lbs, a BMI of 33.8 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
Recommendations
General Health
A BMI of 33.8 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 males stay under 40 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 man at 5ft 0in, the CDC recommends a healthy weight range of 94-127lbs. At 173lbs, you're above this range. Working with a healthcare provider to set a safe weight loss goal is recommended.
Health Risks
With a BMI of 33.8 for a 5ft 0in man, the obesity range is associated with a 40-50% higher risk of cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes. Comprehensive lifestyle intervention and medical guidance are strongly recommended.
Frequently Asked Questions
How common is a BMI of 33.8 for a 5ft 0in man?
How can a 5ft 0in man maintain a healthy weight?
Am I at a healthy weight at 5ft 0in and 173lbs?
What health risks are associated with a BMI of 33.8 for a 5ft 0in man?
Related Tools & Articles
💡 About this calculation: BMI = (173 × 703) ÷ (60 × 60) = 33.8 | Metric: 152.4 cm, 78.5 kg
📖 Recommended reading:
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: 2026-07-14