BMI Result: 5ft 5in, 242 lbs (BMI 40.3) - Female
According to CDC and WHO standards, a BMI of 40.3 is classified as Obese.
A female who is 5ft 5in tall and weighs 242lbs has a BMI of 40.3, 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 5in: 111 lbs – 150 lbs
Metric: 165.1 cm, 109.8 kg
📏 Healthy waist circumference for your height: 30" – 35" (below 35" for female)
So you're 5ft 5in and weigh 242lbs. Your BMI is 40.3, which falls into the Obese 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 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 women of average height, BMI is a reliable screening tool. Pair it with waist circumference for a more complete health picture.
Weight & Threshold
Losing approximately 1.8 lbs would bring your BMI to 40, the boundary of the healthy weight range.
⬇️ Losing approximately 61.9 lbs would bring you to the Overweight BMI threshold.
Waist & Health
The CDC recommends that non-pregnant women keep waist circumference below 35 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 13-year-old girl at 5ft 5in and 242lbs, a BMI of 40.3 would be evaluated using pediatric growth percentiles rather than the adult obese 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 40.3 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 females stay under 35 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 5in and 242lbs, a BMI of 40.3 falls into the obesity category for women. Working with a registered dietitian to create a sustainable meal plan is recommended. Focus on whole, unprocessed foods and gradual changes.
Goals
For a woman at 5ft 5in, the CDC recommends a healthy weight range of 111-149lbs. At 242lbs, you're above this range. Working with a healthcare provider to set a safe weight loss goal is recommended.
Frequently Asked Questions
What percentage of women have a BMI of 40.3 at 5ft 5in?
Is 242lbs overweight for a 5ft 5in woman?
What health risks are associated with a BMI of 40.3 for a 5ft 5in woman?
What else should I track besides BMI for a 5ft 5in woman?
Related Tools & Articles
💡 About this calculation: BMI = (242 × 703) ÷ (65 × 65) = 40.3 | Metric: 165.1 cm, 109.8 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: 2026-08-04