BMI Result: 5ft 5in, 161 lbs (BMI 26.8) - Male
According to CDC and WHO standards, a BMI of 26.8 is classified as Overweight.
A male who is 5ft 5in tall and weighs 161lbs has a BMI of 26.8, which falls into the Overweight category used by the CDC and WHO for adults.
| Category | BMI Range |
|---|---|
| Underweight | < 18.5 |
| Overweight | 25 – 29.9 |
| Obese | ≥ 30 |
Healthy weight range for 5ft 5in: 111 lbs – 150 lbs
Metric: 165.1 cm, 73.0 kg
📏 Healthy waist circumference for your height: 35" – 40" (below 40" for male)
So you're 5ft 5in and weigh 161lbs. Your BMI is 26.8, which falls into the Overweight 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 in the 25-29.9 range indicates excess weight relative to height. According to CDC data, this range is associated with a 20-30% higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes and hypertension.
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 19.2 lbs would bring your BMI to 30, the start of the next category.
⬆️ Gaining approximately 19.2 lbs would put you in the Obese BMI range.
⬇️ Losing approximately 10.8 lbs would bring you to the Normal 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 in early to middle adulthood (20-44), BMI is a reliable screening tool. At 42 years old, a man at 5ft 5in and 161lbs has a BMI of 26.8, which falls into the Overweight category according to CDC and WHO standards.
Your BMI falls into the overweight category. The CDC notes that even a modest weight loss of 5-10% can improve health markers.
👉 Check your Healthy Weight Range for more context.
👉 Measure your Body Fat Percentage for a more complete picture.
Health Analysis
Recommendations
General Health
A BMI of 26.8 is above the CDC and WHO healthy range of 18.5-24.9. Even a modest weight loss of 5-10% can improve health markers. Consider consulting a healthcare provider for personalized guidance.
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
Monitoring
At 5ft 5in, monitor your waist circumference as an additional health indicator. For men at this height, the CDC recommends keeping waist circumference below 40 inches. Track your progress weekly with a scale and tape measure.
Goals
For a man at 5ft 5in, the CDC recommends a healthy weight range of 111-149lbs. At 161lbs, you're above this range. Setting a goal to lose 5-10% of your current weight can significantly improve health markers.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can a 5ft 5in man maintain a healthy weight?
What percentage of men have a BMI of 26.8 at 5ft 5in?
Am I at a healthy weight at 5ft 5in and 161lbs?
What health risks are associated with a BMI of 26.8 for a 5ft 5in man?
Related Tools & Articles
💡 About this calculation: BMI = (161 × 703) ÷ (65 × 65) = 26.8 | Metric: 165.1 cm, 73.0 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: 2026-08-02