BMI Result: 5ft 6in, 244 lbs (BMI 39.4) - Female

According to CDC and WHO standards, a BMI of 39.4 is classified as Obese.

Quick answer: A 5ft 6in female weighing 244 lbs has a BMI of 39.4, classified as Obese by CDC and WHO standards. The healthy weight range for this height is approximately 115–154 lbs.

A female who is 5ft 6in tall and weighs 244lbs has a BMI of 39.4, which falls into the Obese category used by the CDC and WHO for adults.

39.4
Obese
⚠️ 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
Obese ≥ 30
Obese≥ 30

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

Metric: 167.6 cm, 110.7 kg

📏 Healthy waist circumference for your height: 30" – 35" (below 35" for female)

So you're 5ft 6in and weigh 244lbs. Your BMI is 39.4, which falls into the Obese 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).

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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.

Source: CDC Adult BMI Guidelines (2024)

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 3.7 lbs would bring your BMI to 40, the start of the next category.

⬇️ Losing approximately 58.2 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.

Source: CDC Adult BMI Guidelines (2024)

Age Context

For adults in early to middle adulthood (20-44), BMI is a reliable screening tool. At 43 years old, a woman at 5ft 6in and 244lbs has a BMI of 39.4, 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

A BMI of 39.4 for a female with height 5ft 6in and weight 244lbs falls into the Obese category.

Recommendations

General Health

A BMI of 39.4 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

Health Risks

With a BMI of 39.4 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.

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.

Always consult a healthcare provider for personalized medical advice.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is 244lbs overweight for a 5ft 6in woman?
For a 5ft 6in woman, 244lbs gives a BMI of 39.4, which is Obese. This falls into the CDC's obesity category (30+).
What else should I track besides BMI for a 5ft 6in woman?
In addition to BMI, waist circumference and body composition give a clearer picture of health. For a woman at 5ft 6in, keeping waist size below 35 inches is an important goal supported by CDC research.
How do I calculate my BMI at 5ft 6in and 244lbs?
BMI is calculated as weight (lbs) × 703 ÷ height (in)². For a 5ft 6in woman at 244lbs, the calculation is 244 × 703 ÷ 66² = 39.4, which is Obese.
How does a BMI of 39.4 affect health for a 5ft 6in woman?
At 5ft 6in with a BMI of 39.4 (Obese), the obesity range is associated with a 50-60% higher risk of cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle is key to overall well-being.

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💡 About this calculation: BMI = (244 × 703) ÷ (66 × 66) = 39.4 | Metric: 167.6 cm, 110.7 kg

📖 Recommended reading:

Based on CDC and WHO adult BMI standards. This information is for educational purposes and does not replace professional medical advice.

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

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