BMI Result: 5ft 6in, 235 lbs (BMI 37.9) - Female
According to CDC and WHO standards, a BMI of 37.9 is classified as Obese.
A female who is 5ft 6in tall and weighs 235lbs has a BMI of 37.9, 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 6in: 115 lbs – 154 lbs
Metric: 167.6 cm, 106.6 kg
📏 Healthy waist circumference for your height: 30" – 35" (below 35" for female)
So you're 5ft 6in and weigh 235lbs. Your BMI is 37.9, 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
Gaining approximately 13.0 lbs would bring your BMI to 40, the start of the next category.
⬇️ Losing approximately 49.0 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 15-year-old girl at 5ft 6in and 235lbs, a BMI of 37.9 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 37.9 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
Goals
For a woman at 5ft 6in, the CDC recommends a healthy weight range of 114-154lbs. At 235lbs, you're above this range. Working with a healthcare provider to set a safe weight loss goal is recommended.
Health Risks
With a BMI of 37.9 for a 5ft 6in woman, the obesity 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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 235lbs overweight for a 5ft 6in woman?
What health risks are associated with a BMI of 37.9 for a 5ft 6in woman?
What else should I track besides BMI for a 5ft 6in woman?
What is the BMI for a 5ft 6in woman at 235lbs?
Related Tools & Articles
💡 About this calculation: BMI = (235 × 703) ÷ (66 × 66) = 37.9 | Metric: 167.6 cm, 106.6 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: 2026-08-08