BMI Result: 5ft 8in, 156 lbs (BMI 23.7) - Female
According to CDC and WHO standards, a BMI of 23.7 is classified as Normal.
A female who is 5ft 8in tall and weighs 156lbs has a BMI of 23.7, which falls into the Normal category used by the CDC and WHO for adults.
| Category | BMI 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, 70.8 kg
📏 Healthy waist circumference for your height: 30" – 35" (below 35" for female)
So you're 5ft 8in and weigh 156lbs. Your BMI is 23.7, which falls into the Normal category according to CDC and WHO standards. Let's break down what this means for your health.
Adjust Your Numbers
Change your height or weight to see how your BMI changes.
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.
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 8.6 lbs would bring your BMI to 25, the start of the next category.
⬆️ Gaining approximately 8.6 lbs would put you in the Overweight BMI range.
⬇️ Losing approximately 34.2 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.
Age Context
For adults in early to middle adulthood (20-44), BMI is a reliable screening tool. At 29 years old, a woman at 5ft 8in and 156lbs has a BMI of 23.7, 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
Recommendations
General Health
A BMI of 23.7 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
Health Risks
With a BMI of 23.7 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.
Physical Activity
For a woman at 5ft 8in and 156lbs, regular physical activity that you enjoy, combined with activities that maintain muscle strength, supports overall health. Walking, swimming, or cycling are excellent choices.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 156lbs overweight for a 5ft 8in woman?
What is the BMI for a 5ft 8in woman at 156lbs?
What else should I track besides BMI for a 5ft 8in woman?
What percentage of women have a BMI of 23.7 at 5ft 8in?
Related Tools & Articles
💡 About this calculation: BMI = (156 × 703) ÷ (68 × 68) = 23.7 | Metric: 172.7 cm, 70.8 kg
📖 Recommended reading:
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