BMI Result: 5ft 7in, 118 lbs (BMI 18.5) - Male

According to CDC and WHO standards, a BMI of 18.5 is classified as Underweight.

Quick answer: A 5ft 7in male weighing 118 lbs has a BMI of 18.5, classified as Underweight by CDC and WHO standards. The healthy weight range for this height is approximately 118–159 lbs.

A male who is 5ft 7in tall and weighs 118lbs has a BMI of 18.5, which falls into the Underweight category used by the CDC and WHO for adults.

18.5
Underweight
⚠️ 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
Underweight < 18.5
Obese≥ 30

Healthy weight range for 5ft 7in: 118 lbs – 159 lbs

Metric: 170.2 cm, 53.5 kg

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

So you're 5ft 7in and weigh 118lbs. Your BMI is 18.5, which falls into the Underweight 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 below 18.5 may indicate nutritional insufficiency. According to the CDC, this range is associated with increased risk of bone density loss and immune function decline. Consulting a healthcare provider is recommended for a thorough nutritional assessment.

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 41.5 lbs would bring your BMI to 25, the start of the next category.

⬆️ Gaining approximately 41.5 lbs would put you in the Overweight BMI range.

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 in early to middle adulthood (20-44), BMI is a reliable screening tool. At 29 years old, a man at 5ft 7in and 118lbs has a BMI of 18.5, which falls into the Normal category according to CDC and WHO standards.

Your BMI is within the healthy range. Maintaining balanced nutrition and regular physical activity will help sustain this.

👉 Check your Healthy Weight Range for more context.

👉 Measure your Body Fat Percentage for a more complete picture.

Health Analysis

A BMI of 18.5 for a male with height 5ft 7in and weight 118lbs falls into the Underweight category.

Recommendations

General Health

A BMI of 18.5 is below the CDC and WHO healthy range of 18.5-24.9. This may indicate nutritional insufficiency. Consulting a healthcare provider is recommended for a thorough nutritional assessment.

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

Health Risks

With a BMI of 18.5 for a 5ft 7in man, the underweight range is associated with increased risk of bone density loss and immune function decline. Consulting a healthcare provider is recommended for a thorough nutritional assessment.

Goals

For a man at 5ft 7in, the CDC recommends a healthy weight range of 118-159lbs. At 118lbs, you're below this range. Consider setting a goal to gain 5-10% of your current weight over the next 3-6 months.

Always consult a healthcare provider for personalized medical advice.

Frequently Asked Questions

What health risks are associated with a BMI of 18.5 for a 5ft 7in man?
For a man at 5ft 7in with a BMI of 18.5 (Underweight), the underweight range is associated with increased risk of bone density loss and immune function decline. Regular check-ups and monitoring are recommended.
How do I calculate my BMI at 5ft 7in and 118lbs?
BMI is calculated as weight (lbs) × 703 ÷ height (in)². For a 5ft 7in man at 118lbs, the calculation is 118 × 703 ÷ 67² = 18.5, which is Underweight.
How common is a BMI of 18.5 for a 5ft 7in man?
According to CDC data, about 1.5% of men have a BMI in the Underweight category. At 5ft 7in and 118lbs, your BMI of 18.5 is within this range.
How can a 5ft 7in man maintain a healthy weight?
For a man at 5ft 7in, maintaining weight around 118-159lbs is recommended. Focus on nutrient-dense foods and eat 5-6 smaller meals throughout the day rather than 3 large ones.

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💡 About this calculation: BMI = (118 × 703) ÷ (67 × 67) = 18.5 | Metric: 170.2 cm, 53.5 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: 2026-08-10

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