BMI Result: 5ft 8in, 126 lbs (BMI 19.2) - Female

According to CDC and WHO standards, a BMI of 19.2 is classified as Normal.

Quick answer: A 5ft 8in female weighing 126 lbs has a BMI of 19.2, classified as Normal by CDC and WHO standards. The healthy weight range for this height is approximately 122–164 lbs.

A female who is 5ft 8in tall and weighs 126lbs has a BMI of 19.2, which falls into the Normal category used by the CDC and WHO for adults.

19.2
Normal
⚠️ 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
Normal 18.5 – 24.9
Obese≥ 30

Healthy weight range for 5ft 8in: 122 lbs – 164 lbs

Metric: 172.7 cm, 57.2 kg

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

So you're 5ft 8in and weigh 126lbs. Your BMI is 19.2, which falls into the Normal 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).

Free Online BMI Calculator Body Fat %

Adjust Your Numbers

Change your height or weight to see how your BMI changes.

ft in

Understanding Your BMI

A BMI in the 18.5-24.9 range is considered healthy by CDC and WHO standards. This range is associated with the lowest risk of cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes.

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

⬆️ Gaining approximately 38.1 lbs would put you in the Overweight BMI range.

⬇️ Losing approximately 4.6 lbs would bring you to the Underweight 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 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 12-year-old girl at 5ft 8in and 126lbs, a BMI of 19.2 would be evaluated using pediatric growth percentiles rather than the adult normal 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 19.2 for a female with height 5ft 8in and weight 126lbs falls into the Normal category.

Recommendations

General Health

A BMI of 19.2 is within the normal range defined by the CDC and WHO. Staying within this range is generally associated with lower rates of chronic conditions compared to higher or lower BMI categories.

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

Goals

For a woman at 5ft 8in, the CDC recommends a healthy weight range of 121-163lbs. At 126lbs, you're well within this range. Focus on maintaining your current weight through consistent healthy habits.

Health Risks

With a BMI of 19.2 for a 5ft 8in woman, the normal range is associated with the lowest risk of cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes. Women in this range have a 40% lower risk of developing type 2 diabetes compared to those with a BMI over 25.

Always consult a healthcare provider for personalized medical advice.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can a 5ft 8in woman maintain a healthy weight?
For a woman at 5ft 8in, maintaining weight around 121-163lbs is recommended. Continue eating a balanced diet with plenty of fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins.
How does a BMI of 19.2 affect health for a 5ft 8in woman?
At 5ft 8in with a BMI of 19.2 (Normal), the normal range is associated with the lowest risk of cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle is key to overall well-being.
Is 126lbs overweight for a 5ft 8in woman?
For a 5ft 8in woman, 126lbs gives a BMI of 19.2, which is Normal. This falls within the CDC's healthy weight range of 18.5-24.9.
How do I calculate my BMI at 5ft 8in and 126lbs?
BMI is calculated as weight (lbs) × 703 ÷ height (in)². For a 5ft 8in woman at 126lbs, the calculation is 126 × 703 ÷ 68² = 19.2, which is Normal.

Want to calculate your own BMI?

Use our free calculator to get instant results.

Calculate My BMI

Related Tools & Articles

💡 About this calculation: BMI = (126 × 703) ÷ (68 × 68) = 19.2 | Metric: 172.7 cm, 57.2 kg

📖 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: 2026-08-15

💾 Bookmark this page to track your BMI over time. Your results are unique to your height and weight.