BMI Result: 5ft 6in, 242 lbs (BMI 39.1) - Female
According to CDC and WHO standards, a BMI of 39.1 is classified as Obese.
A female who is 5ft 6in tall and weighs 242lbs has a BMI of 39.1, 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, 109.8 kg
📏 Healthy waist circumference for your height: 30" – 35" (below 35" for female)
So you're 5ft 6in and weigh 242lbs. Your BMI is 39.1, 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 5.6 lbs would bring your BMI to 40, the start of the next category.
⬇️ Losing approximately 56.4 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 adults in early to middle adulthood (20-44), BMI is a reliable screening tool. At 22 years old, a woman at 5ft 6in and 242lbs has a BMI of 39.1, which falls into the Obese category according to CDC and WHO standards.
Your BMI falls into the obesity category. Comprehensive lifestyle intervention and medical guidance are strongly recommended.
👉 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 39.1 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
Monitoring
At 5ft 6in, schedule a comprehensive health checkup with your doctor. For women at this height, the CDC recommends keeping waist circumference below 35 inches. Regular monitoring of blood pressure and blood sugar is also important.
Physical Activity
For a woman at 5ft 6in, start with low-impact activities like swimming or stationary cycling to protect your joints while building stamina. Consult your doctor before starting any new exercise program.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I calculate my BMI at 5ft 6in and 242lbs?
How does a BMI of 39.1 affect health for a 5ft 6in woman?
Is 242lbs overweight for a 5ft 6in woman?
How common is a BMI of 39.1 for a 5ft 6in woman?
Related Tools & Articles
💡 About this calculation: BMI = (242 × 703) ÷ (66 × 66) = 39.1 | Metric: 167.6 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: 2026-08-08