BMI Result: 5ft 8in, 161 lbs (BMI 24.5) - Male
According to CDC and WHO standards, a BMI of 24.5 is classified as Normal.
A male who is 5ft 8in tall and weighs 161lbs has a BMI of 24.5, 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, 73.0 kg
📏 Healthy waist circumference for your height: 35" – 40" (below 40" for male)
So you're 5ft 8in and weigh 161lbs. Your BMI is 24.5, 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 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 3.3 lbs would bring your BMI to 25, the start of the next category.
⬆️ Gaining approximately 3.3 lbs would put you in the Overweight BMI range.
⬇️ Losing approximately 39.5 lbs would bring you to the Underweight BMI threshold.
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.
Age Context
For adults in early to middle adulthood (20-44), BMI is a reliable screening tool. At 31 years old, a man at 5ft 8in and 161lbs has a BMI of 24.5, 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 24.5 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 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
Monitoring
At 5ft 8in and 161lbs, check your BMI every 4-6 weeks. For men at this height, the CDC recommends keeping waist circumference below 40 inches. Waist-to-height ratio below 0.5 is also a useful health indicator.
Physical Activity
For a man at 5ft 8in and 161lbs, regular physical activity that you enjoy, combined with activities that maintain muscle strength, supports overall health.
Frequently Asked Questions
What percentage of men have a BMI of 24.5 at 5ft 8in?
What is the BMI for a 5ft 8in man at 161lbs?
How does a BMI of 24.5 affect health for a 5ft 8in man?
How can a 5ft 8in man maintain a healthy weight?
Related Tools & Articles
💡 About this calculation: BMI = (161 × 703) ÷ (68 × 68) = 24.5 | Metric: 172.7 cm, 73.0 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