BMI Result: 5ft 6in, 265 lbs (BMI 42.8) - Male

According to CDC and WHO standards, a BMI of 42.8 is classified as Obese.

Quick answer: A 5ft 6in male weighing 265 lbs has a BMI of 42.8, classified as Obese by CDC and WHO standards. The healthy weight range for this height is approximately 115โ€“154 lbs.

A male who is 5ft 6in tall and weighs 265lbs has a BMI of 42.8, which falls into the Obese category used by the CDC and WHO for adults.

42.8
Obese
โš ๏ธ 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 โ‰ฅ 30
Obeseโ‰ฅ 30

Healthy weight range for 5ft 6in: 115 lbs โ€“ 154 lbs

Metric: 167.6 cm, 120.2 kg

๐Ÿ“ Healthy waist circumference for your height: 35" โ€“ 40" (below 40" for male)

So you're 5ft 6in and weigh 265lbs. Your BMI is 42.8, 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 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

Losing approximately 17.3 lbs would bring your BMI to 40, the boundary of the healthy weight range.

โฌ‡๏ธ Losing approximately 79.3 lbs would bring you to the Overweight 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

At ages 18-19, BMI interpretation transitions. This age range sits between pediatric percentiles and adult fixed cutoffs. A 19-year-old man at 5ft 6in and 265lbs has a BMI of 42.8, which falls into the Obese category under adult CDC/WHO standards.

๐Ÿ‘‰ For younger individuals, visit our Teen BMI Calculator.

๐Ÿ‘‰ Check your Healthy Weight Range for more context.

Health Analysis

A BMI of 42.8 for a male with height 5ft 6in and weight 265lbs falls into the Obese category.

Recommendations

General Health

A BMI of 42.8 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 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

Diet & Nutrition

At 5ft 6in and 265lbs, a BMI of 42.8 falls into the obesity category for men. Working with a registered dietitian to develop a structured, sustainable eating plan is recommended.

Physical Activity

For a man at 5ft 6in, start slowly with walking and light resistance training. Gradually increase intensity as fitness improves. Consult your doctor before starting any new exercise program.

Always consult a healthcare provider for personalized medical advice.

Frequently Asked Questions

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.
How common is a BMI of 42.8 for a 5ft 6in man?
According to CDC data, about 25-30% of men have a BMI in the Obese category. At 5ft 6in and 265lbs, your BMI of 42.8 is within this range.
How does a BMI of 42.8 affect health for a 5ft 6in man?
At 5ft 6in with a BMI of 42.8 (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.
Is 265lbs overweight for a 5ft 6in man?
For a 5ft 6in man, 265lbs gives a BMI of 42.8, which is Obese. This falls into the CDC's obesity category (30+).

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๐Ÿ’ก About this calculation: BMI = (265 ร— 703) รท (66 ร— 66) = 42.8 | Metric: 167.6 cm, 120.2 kg

๐Ÿ“– Recommended reading:

Content references CDC and WHO guidelines. For informational purposes only, not 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: 2026-08-09

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