BMI Result: 5ft 4in, 218 lbs (BMI 37.4) - Male
According to CDC and WHO standards, a BMI of 37.4 is classified as Obese.
A male who is 5ft 4in tall and weighs 218lbs has a BMI of 37.4, 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 4in: 108 lbs – 145 lbs
Metric: 162.6 cm, 98.9 kg
📏 Healthy waist circumference for your height: 35" – 40" (below 40" for male)
So you're 5ft 4in and weigh 218lbs. 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.
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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.
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 15.1 lbs would bring your BMI to 40, the start of the next category.
⬇️ Losing approximately 43.1 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 adults 45-64, metabolic health becomes increasingly important. At 53 years old, a man at 5ft 4in and 218lbs has a BMI of 37.4, which falls into the Obese category.
At age 53, maintaining a healthy weight is particularly important. Research shows that adults over 45 with a BMI in the obese range have a significantly higher risk of metabolic syndrome and cardiovascular disease.
👉 Calculate your Body Fat Percentage for a more complete health assessment.
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Health Analysis
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 4in, the CDC recommends a healthy weight range of 107-145lbs. At 218lbs, you're above this range. Working with a healthcare provider to set a safe weight loss goal is recommended.
Physical Activity
For a man at 5ft 4in, start slowly with walking and light resistance training. Gradually increase intensity as fitness improves. Consult your doctor before starting any new exercise program.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can a 5ft 4in man maintain a healthy weight?
How common is a BMI of 37.4 for a 5ft 4in man?
Am I at a healthy weight at 5ft 4in and 218lbs?
What is the BMI for a 5ft 4in man at 218lbs?
Related Tools & Articles
💡 About this calculation: BMI = (218 × 703) ÷ (64 × 64) = 37.4 | Metric: 162.6 cm, 98.9 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: 2026-07-30