BMI Result: 5ft 8in, 166 lbs (BMI 25.2) - Male

According to CDC and WHO standards, a BMI of 25.2 is classified as Overweight.

Quick answer: A 5ft 8in male weighing 166 lbs has a BMI of 25.2, classified as Overweight by CDC and WHO standards. The healthy weight range for this height is approximately 122โ€“164 lbs.

A male who is 5ft 8in tall and weighs 166lbs has a BMI of 25.2, which falls into the Overweight category used by the CDC and WHO for adults.

25.2
Overweight
โš ๏ธ 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
Overweight 25 โ€“ 29.9
Obeseโ‰ฅ 30

Healthy weight range for 5ft 8in: 122 lbs โ€“ 164 lbs

Metric: 172.7 cm, 75.3 kg

๐Ÿ“ Healthy waist circumference for your height: 35" โ€“ 40" (below 40" for male)

So you're 5ft 8in and weigh 166lbs. Your BMI is 25.2, which falls into the Overweight 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 25-29.9 range indicates excess weight relative to height. According to CDC data, this range is associated with a 20-30% higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes and hypertension.

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 31.6 lbs would bring your BMI to 30, the start of the next category.

โฌ†๏ธ Gaining approximately 31.6 lbs would put you in the Obese BMI range.

โฌ‡๏ธ Losing approximately 1.3 lbs would bring you to the Normal 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.

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 boy at 5ft 8in and 166lbs, a BMI of 25.2 would be evaluated using pediatric growth percentiles rather than the adult overweight category.

๐Ÿ‘‰ Use our Child BMI Calculator for a more accurate assessment for children and teens under 18.

๐Ÿ‘‰ Visit our Kids BMI Percentile tool for detailed growth tracking.

Health Analysis

A BMI of 25.2 for a male with height 5ft 8in and weight 166lbs falls into the Overweight category.

Recommendations

General Health

A BMI of 25.2 is above the CDC and WHO healthy range of 18.5-24.9. Even a modest weight loss of 5-10% can improve health markers. Consider consulting a healthcare provider for personalized guidance.

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

Health Risks

With a BMI of 25.2 for a 5ft 8in man, the overweight range is associated with a 20-30% higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes and hypertension. Even a modest weight loss of 5-10% can significantly improve these health metrics.

Physical Activity

For a man at 5ft 8in, combine cardio (running, cycling, swimming) with strength training for best results. Start with 3 sessions per week and gradually increase frequency and intensity.

Always consult a healthcare provider for personalized medical advice.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the BMI for a 5ft 8in man at 166lbs?
For a man who is 5ft 8in and weighs 166lbs, the BMI is 25.2. This falls into the Overweight category according to CDC standards.
How can a 5ft 8in man maintain a healthy weight?
For a man at 5ft 8in, maintaining weight around 121-163lbs is recommended. Replace sugary drinks with water, add an extra serving of vegetables to each meal, and reduce portion sizes gradually.
How does a BMI of 25.2 affect health for a 5ft 8in man?
At 5ft 8in with a BMI of 25.2 (Overweight), the overweight range is associated with a 20-30% higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes and hypertension. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle is key to overall well-being.
Am I at a healthy weight at 5ft 8in and 166lbs?
At 5ft 8in and 166lbs, a man's BMI is 25.2, which is Overweight. This falls into the CDC's overweight category (25-29.9).

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๐Ÿ’ก About this calculation: BMI = (166 ร— 703) รท (68 ร— 68) = 25.2 | Metric: 172.7 cm, 75.3 kg

๐Ÿ“– 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: 2026-08-16

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