BMI Result: 5ft 5in, 118 lbs (BMI 19.6) - Male
According to CDC and WHO standards, a BMI of 19.6 is classified as Normal.
A male who is 5ft 5in tall and weighs 118lbs has a BMI of 19.6, 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 5in: 111 lbs – 150 lbs
Metric: 165.1 cm, 53.5 kg
📏 Healthy waist circumference for your height: 35" – 40" (below 40" for male)
So you're 5ft 5in and weigh 118lbs. Your BMI is 19.6, 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 32.5 lbs would bring your BMI to 25, the start of the next category.
⬆️ Gaining approximately 32.5 lbs would put you in the Overweight BMI range.
⬇️ Losing approximately 6.6 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 15-year-old boy at 5ft 5in and 118lbs, a BMI of 19.6 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 19.6 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
Goals
For a man at 5ft 5in, the CDC recommends a healthy weight range of 111-149lbs. At 118lbs, you're well within this range. Focus on maintaining your current weight through consistent healthy habits.
Physical Activity
For a man at 5ft 5in and 118lbs, regular physical activity that you enjoy, combined with activities that maintain muscle strength, supports overall health.
Frequently Asked Questions
Am I at a healthy weight at 5ft 5in and 118lbs?
What percentage of men have a BMI of 19.6 at 5ft 5in?
What else should I track besides BMI for a 5ft 5in man?
How do I calculate my BMI at 5ft 5in and 118lbs?
Related Tools & Articles
💡 About this calculation: BMI = (118 × 703) ÷ (65 × 65) = 19.6 | Metric: 165.1 cm, 53.5 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: 2026-08-01