BMI Result: 5ft 8in, 103 lbs (BMI 15.7) - Male

According to CDC and WHO standards, a BMI of 15.7 is classified as Underweight.

A male who is 5ft 8in tall and weighs 103lbs has a BMI of 15.7, which falls into the Underweight category used by the CDC and WHO for adults.

15.7
Underweight
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
Underweight < 18.5
Obeseโ‰ฅ 30

Healthy weight range for 5ft 8in: 122 lbs โ€“ 164 lbs

Metric: 172.7 cm, 46.7 kg

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

So you're 5ft 8in and weigh 103lbs. Your BMI is 15.7, 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

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 18.4 lbs would bring your BMI to 18.5, the start of the next category.

โฌ†๏ธ Gaining approximately 18.4 lbs would put you in the Normal 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

Age Context

For adults 65 and older, BMI targets shift. Clinical guidelines (ESPEN, NIH) often recommend a slightly higher BMI range (around 23โ€“26) for seniors to protect against bone loss and muscle decline. At 67 years old, a man at 5ft 8in and 103lbs has a BMI of 15.7.

Your BMI of 15.7 is within the standard range but sits near the lower end. Maintaining muscle mass through protein intake and light resistance training is particularly important at this age.

๐Ÿ‘‰ Use our Senior BMI Calculator for age-stratified recommendations.

๐Ÿ‘‰ Check our Asian BMI Calculator for ethnicity-specific guidelines (if applicable).

Health Analysis

A BMI of 15.7 for a male with height 5ft 8in and weight 103lbs falls into the Underweight category.

Recommendations

General Health

A BMI of 15.7 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.

Always consult a healthcare provider for personalized medical advice.

Frequently Asked Questions

Am I at a healthy weight at 5ft 8in and 103lbs?
At 5ft 8in and 103lbs, a man's BMI is 15.7, which is Underweight. This is below the CDC's healthy weight range of 18.5-24.9. Consider consulting a healthcare provider.
How can a 5ft 8in man maintain a healthy weight?
For a man at 5ft 8in, maintaining weight around 121-163lbs is recommended. Focus on nutrient-dense foods and eat 5-6 smaller meals throughout the day rather than 3 large ones.
What health risks are associated with a BMI of 15.7 for a 5ft 8in man?
For a man at 5ft 8in with a BMI of 15.7 (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 common is a BMI of 15.7 for a 5ft 8in man?
According to CDC data, about 1.5% of men have a BMI in the Underweight category. At 5ft 8in and 103lbs, your BMI of 15.7 is within this range.

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Related Tools & Articles

๐Ÿ’ก About this calculation: BMI = (103 ร— 703) รท (68 ร— 68) = 15.7 | Metric: 172.7 cm, 46.7 kg

๐Ÿ“– Recommended reading:

BMI data sourced from CDC and WHO guidelines. This content is informational only. Please consult a healthcare professional for any health decisions.

Published: 2026-08-26
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