BMI Result: 5ft 1in, 198 lbs (BMI 37.4) - Male

According to CDC and WHO standards, a BMI of 37.4 is classified as Obese.

Quick answer: A 5ft 1in male weighing 198 lbs has a BMI of 37.4, classified as Obese by CDC and WHO standards. The healthy weight range for this height is approximately 98–132 lbs.

A male who is 5ft 1in tall and weighs 198lbs has a BMI of 37.4, which falls into the Obese category used by the CDC and WHO for adults.

37.4
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 5ft 1in: 98 lbs – 132 lbs

Metric: 154.9 cm, 89.8 kg

📏 Healthy waist circumference for your height: 35" – 40" (below 40" for male)

So you're 5ft 1in and weigh 198lbs. Your BMI is 37.4, 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 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 13.8 lbs would bring your BMI to 40, the start of the next category.

⬇️ Losing approximately 39.2 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.

Source: CDC Adult BMI Guidelines (2024)

Age Context

For adults in early to middle adulthood (20-44), BMI is a reliable screening tool. At 25 years old, a man at 5ft 1in and 198lbs has a BMI of 37.4, which falls into the Obese category according to CDC and WHO standards.

Your BMI falls into the obesity category. Comprehensive lifestyle intervention and medical guidance are strongly recommended.

👉 Check your Healthy Weight Range for more context.

👉 Measure your Body Fat Percentage for a more complete picture.

Health Analysis

A BMI of 37.4 for a male with height 5ft 1in and weight 198lbs falls into the Obese category.

Recommendations

General Health

A BMI of 37.4 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 1in, the CDC recommends a healthy weight range of 97-131lbs. At 198lbs, 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 37.4 for a 5ft 1in 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.

Always consult a healthcare provider for personalized medical advice.

Frequently Asked Questions

How common is a BMI of 37.4 for a 5ft 1in man?
According to CDC data, about 25-30% of men have a BMI in the Obese category. At 5ft 1in and 198lbs, your BMI of 37.4 is within this range.
What is the BMI for a 5ft 1in man at 198lbs?
For a man who is 5ft 1in and weighs 198lbs, the BMI is 37.4. This falls into the Obese category according to CDC standards.
How can a 5ft 1in man maintain a healthy weight?
For a man at 5ft 1in, maintaining weight around 97-131lbs is recommended. Work with a registered dietitian to create a sustainable meal plan focusing on whole, unprocessed foods.
Is 198lbs overweight for a 5ft 1in man?
For a 5ft 1in man, 198lbs gives a BMI of 37.4, which is Obese. This falls into the CDC's obesity category (30+).

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Related Tools & Articles

💡 About this calculation: BMI = (198 × 703) ÷ (61 × 61) = 37.4 | Metric: 154.9 cm, 89.8 kg

📖 Recommended reading:

BMI data sourced from CDC and WHO guidelines. This content is informational only. Please consult a healthcare professional for any health decisions.

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: 2026-07-18

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