BMI Result: 5ft 6in, 170 lbs (BMI 27.4) - Male

According to CDC and WHO standards, a BMI of 27.4 is classified as Overweight.

Quick answer: A 5ft 6in male weighing 170 lbs has a BMI of 27.4, classified as Overweight by CDC and WHO standards. The healthy weight range for this height is approximately 115–154 lbs.

A male who is 5ft 6in tall and weighs 170lbs has a BMI of 27.4, which falls into the Overweight category used by the CDC and WHO for adults.

27.4
Overweight
⚠️ BMI is a screening tool, not a diagnostic. It does not measure body fat directly. Learn more about how BMI is used.
Underweight Normal Overweight Obese
CategoryBMI Range
Underweight< 18.5
Overweight 25 – 29.9
Obese≥ 30

Healthy weight range for 5ft 6in: 115 lbs – 154 lbs

Metric: 167.6 cm, 77.1 kg

📏 Healthy waist circumference for your height: 35" – 40" (below 40" for male)

So you're 5ft 6in and weigh 170lbs. Your BMI is 27.4, which falls into the Overweight category according to CDC and WHO standards. Let's break down what this means for your health.

Adult BMI classification: CDC & WHO standard (effective 1998-present).

Use Our Free BMI Calculator Body Fat %

Adjust Your Numbers

Change your height or weight to see how your BMI changes.

ft in

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.

Source: CDC Adult BMI Guidelines (2024)

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 16.1 lbs would bring your BMI to 30, the start of the next category.

⬆️ Gaining approximately 16.1 lbs would put you in the Obese BMI range.

⬇️ Losing approximately 14.9 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.

Source: CDC Adult BMI Guidelines (2024)

Age Context

For adults 45-64, metabolic health becomes increasingly important. At 47 years old, a man at 5ft 6in and 170lbs has a BMI of 27.4, which falls into the Overweight category.

At age 47, even modest weight loss can improve metabolic markers. Consider combining BMI with waist circumference for a more complete assessment.

👉 Calculate your Body Fat Percentage for a more complete health assessment.

👉 Try our Athlete BMI Calculator if you have higher muscle mass.

Health Analysis

A BMI of 27.4 for a male with height 5ft 6in and weight 170lbs falls into the Overweight category.

Recommendations

General Health

A BMI of 27.4 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 6in, 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.

Diet & Nutrition

At 5ft 6in and 170lbs, a BMI of 27.4 falls into the overweight category for men. Reducing processed foods and added sugars while increasing protein and fiber can help with weight management.

Always consult a healthcare provider for personalized medical advice.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I calculate my BMI at 5ft 6in and 170lbs?
BMI is calculated as weight (lbs) × 703 ÷ height (in)². For a 5ft 6in man at 170lbs, the calculation is 170 × 703 ÷ 66² = 27.4, which is Overweight.
What else should I track besides BMI for a 5ft 6in man?
In addition to BMI, waist circumference and body composition give a clearer picture of health. For a man at 5ft 6in, keeping waist size below 40 inches is an important goal supported by CDC research.
Is 170lbs overweight for a 5ft 6in man?
For a 5ft 6in man, 170lbs gives a BMI of 27.4, which is Overweight. This falls into the CDC's overweight category (25-29.9).
What health risks are associated with a BMI of 27.4 for a 5ft 6in man?
For a man at 5ft 6in with a BMI of 27.4 (Overweight), the overweight range is associated with a 20-30% higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes and hypertension. Regular check-ups and monitoring are recommended.

Want to calculate your own BMI?

Use our free calculator to get instant results.

Calculate My BMI

Related Tools & Articles

💡 About this calculation: BMI = (170 × 703) ÷ (66 × 66) = 27.4 | Metric: 167.6 cm, 77.1 kg

📖 Recommended reading:

BMI data sourced from CDC and WHO guidelines. This content is informational only. Please consult a healthcare professional for any health decisions.

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: 2026-08-07

💾 Bookmark this page to track your BMI over time. Your results are unique to your height and weight.