BMI Result: 5ft 8in, 144 lbs (BMI 21.9) - Female

According to CDC and WHO standards, a BMI of 21.9 is classified as Normal.

Quick answer: A 5ft 8in female weighing 144 lbs has a BMI of 21.9, 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 144lbs has a BMI of 21.9, which falls into the Normal category used by the CDC and WHO for adults.

21.9
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, 65.3 kg

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

So you're 5ft 8in and weigh 144lbs. Your BMI is 21.9, 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).

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

⬆️ Gaining approximately 20.4 lbs would put you in the Overweight BMI range.

⬇️ Losing approximately 22.4 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 adults 45-64, metabolic health becomes increasingly important. At 50 years old, a woman at 5ft 8in and 144lbs has a BMI of 21.9, which falls into the Normal category.

For adults in this age range, maintaining stable weight and regular physical activity is key to preserving metabolic health.

👉 Calculate your Body Fat Percentage for a more complete health assessment.

👉 Try our Athlete BMI Calculator if you have higher muscle mass.

Health Analysis

A BMI of 21.9 for a female with height 5ft 8in and weight 144lbs falls into the Normal category.

Recommendations

General Health

A BMI of 21.9 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

Monitoring

At 5ft 8in and 144lbs, check your BMI every 4-6 weeks. For women at this height, the CDC recommends keeping waist circumference below 35 inches. Waist-to-height ratio below 0.5 is also a useful health indicator.

Goals

For a woman at 5ft 8in, the CDC recommends a healthy weight range of 121-163lbs. At 144lbs, you're well within this range. Focus on maintaining your current weight through consistent healthy habits.

Always consult a healthcare provider for personalized medical advice.

Frequently Asked Questions

Am I at a healthy weight at 5ft 8in and 144lbs?
At 5ft 8in and 144lbs, a woman's BMI is 21.9, which is Normal. This falls within the CDC's healthy weight range of 18.5-24.9.
How does a BMI of 21.9 affect health for a 5ft 8in woman?
At 5ft 8in with a BMI of 21.9 (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.
How common is a BMI of 21.9 for a 5ft 8in woman?
According to CDC data, about 31% of women have a BMI in the Normal category. At 5ft 8in and 144lbs, your BMI of 21.9 is within this range.
How do I calculate my BMI at 5ft 8in and 144lbs?
BMI is calculated as weight (lbs) × 703 ÷ height (in)². For a 5ft 8in woman at 144lbs, the calculation is 144 × 703 ÷ 68² = 21.9, which is Normal.

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Related Tools & Articles

💡 About this calculation: BMI = (144 × 703) ÷ (68 × 68) = 21.9 | Metric: 172.7 cm, 65.3 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: 2026-08-16

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