BMI Result: 5ft 3in, 117 lbs (BMI 20.7) - Male
According to CDC and WHO standards, a BMI of 20.7 is classified as Normal.
A male who is 5ft 3in tall and weighs 117lbs has a BMI of 20.7, which falls into the Normal category used by the CDC and WHO for adults.
| Category | BMI Range |
|---|---|
| Underweight | < 18.5 |
| Normal | 18.5 – 24.9 |
| Obese | ≥ 30 |
Healthy weight range for 5ft 3in: 104 lbs – 141 lbs
Metric: 160.0 cm, 53.1 kg
📏 Healthy waist circumference for your height: 35" – 40" (below 40" for male)
So you're 5ft 3in and weigh 117lbs. Your BMI is 20.7, which falls into the Normal 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 in the 18.5-24.9 range is considered healthy by CDC and WHO standards. This range is associated with the lowest risk of cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes.
What This Means for Your Height
For men of average height, BMI is a reliable screening tool. The CDC recommends keeping waist circumference below 40 inches to minimize health risks.
Weight & Threshold
Gaining approximately 24.3 lbs would bring your BMI to 25, the start of the next category.
⬆️ Gaining approximately 24.3 lbs would put you in the Overweight BMI range.
⬇️ Losing approximately 12.4 lbs would bring you to the Underweight 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 12-year-old boy at 5ft 3in and 117lbs, a BMI of 20.7 would be evaluated using pediatric growth percentiles rather than the adult normal 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 20.7 is within the normal range defined by the CDC and WHO. Staying within this range is generally associated with lower rates of chronic conditions compared to higher or lower BMI categories.
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
Diet & Nutrition
At 5ft 3in and 117lbs, a BMI of 20.7 is within the healthy range for men. To maintain this, balance protein, carbohydrates, and healthy fats in your diet. The CDC recommends keeping waist circumference below 40 inches for men at this height.
Health Risks
With a BMI of 20.7 for a 5ft 3in man, the normal range is associated with the lowest risk of cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes. Men in this range have a 40% lower risk of developing type 2 diabetes compared to those with a BMI over 25.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 117lbs overweight for a 5ft 3in man?
How can a 5ft 3in man maintain a healthy weight?
What health risks are associated with a BMI of 20.7 for a 5ft 3in man?
How do I calculate my BMI at 5ft 3in and 117lbs?
Related Tools & Articles
💡 About this calculation: BMI = (117 × 703) ÷ (63 × 63) = 20.7 | Metric: 160.0 cm, 53.1 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: 2026-07-23