BMI Result: 5ft 8in, 112 lbs (BMI 17.0) - Male

According to CDC and WHO standards, a BMI of 17.0 is classified as Underweight.

Quick answer: A 5ft 8in male weighing 112 lbs has a BMI of 17.0, classified as Underweight by CDC and WHO standards. The healthy weight range for this height is approximately 122–164 lbs.

A male who is 5ft 8in tall and weighs 112lbs has a BMI of 17.0, which falls into the Underweight category used by the CDC and WHO for adults.

17.0
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 8in: 122 lbs – 164 lbs

Metric: 172.7 cm, 50.8 kg

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

So you're 5ft 8in and weigh 112lbs. Your BMI is 17.0, 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 9.9 lbs would bring your BMI to 18.5, the start of the next category.

⬆️ Gaining approximately 9.9 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 (2024)

Age Context

For children and teenagers (under 18), BMI is interpreted differently. Unlike adults, BMI for youth is age- and sex-specific, using percentiles from CDC growth charts. For a 16-year-old boy at 5ft 8in and 112lbs, a BMI of 17.0 would be evaluated using pediatric growth percentiles rather than the adult underweight category.

👉 Use our Child BMI Calculator for a more accurate assessment for children and teens under 18.

👉 Visit our Kids BMI Percentile tool for detailed growth tracking.

Health Analysis

A BMI of 17.0 for a male with height 5ft 8in and weight 112lbs falls into the Underweight category.

Recommendations

General Health

A BMI of 17.0 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

Physical Activity

For a man at 5ft 8in, focus on strength training 3-4 times per week to build muscle mass. Compound exercises like squats, deadlifts, and bench press are most effective. The CDC recommends consulting a healthcare provider before starting any new exercise program.

Goals

For a man at 5ft 8in, the CDC recommends a healthy weight range of 121-163lbs. At 112lbs, 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

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.
Is 112lbs overweight for a 5ft 8in man?
For a 5ft 8in man, 112lbs gives a BMI of 17.0, which is Underweight. This is below the CDC's healthy weight range of 18.5-24.9. Consider consulting a healthcare provider.
How do I calculate my BMI at 5ft 8in and 112lbs?
BMI is calculated as weight (lbs) × 703 ÷ height (in)². For a 5ft 8in man at 112lbs, the calculation is 112 × 703 ÷ 68² = 17.0, which is Underweight.
What health risks are associated with a BMI of 17.0 for a 5ft 8in man?
For a man at 5ft 8in with a BMI of 17.0 (Underweight), the underweight range is associated with increased risk of bone density loss and immune function decline. Regular check-ups and monitoring are recommended.

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💡 About this calculation: BMI = (112 × 703) ÷ (68 × 68) = 17.0 | Metric: 172.7 cm, 50.8 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: 2026-08-15

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