BMI Result: 5ft 8in, 174 lbs (BMI 26.5) - Female
According to CDC and WHO standards, a BMI of 26.5 is classified as Overweight.
A female who is 5ft 8in tall and weighs 174lbs has a BMI of 26.5, which falls into the Overweight category used by the CDC and WHO for adults.
| Category | BMI Range |
|---|---|
| Underweight | < 18.5 |
| Overweight | 25 – 29.9 |
| Obese | ≥ 30 |
Healthy weight range for 5ft 8in: 122 lbs – 164 lbs
Metric: 172.7 cm, 78.9 kg
📏 Healthy waist circumference for your height: 30" – 35" (below 35" for female)
So you're 5ft 8in and weigh 174lbs. Your BMI is 26.5, which falls into the Overweight 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 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.
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 23.0 lbs would bring your BMI to 30, the start of the next category.
⬆️ Gaining approximately 23.0 lbs would put you in the Obese BMI range.
⬇️ Losing approximately 9.9 lbs would bring you to the Normal 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 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 14-year-old girl at 5ft 8in and 174lbs, a BMI of 26.5 would be evaluated using pediatric growth percentiles rather than the adult overweight 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
Recommendations
General Health
A BMI of 26.5 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 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, monitor your waist circumference as an additional health indicator. For women at this height, the CDC recommends keeping waist circumference below 35 inches. Track your progress weekly with a scale and tape measure.
Health Risks
With a BMI of 26.5 for a 5ft 8in woman, 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.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I calculate my BMI at 5ft 8in and 174lbs?
Is 174lbs overweight for a 5ft 8in woman?
How does a BMI of 26.5 affect health for a 5ft 8in woman?
What else should I track besides BMI for a 5ft 8in woman?
Related Tools & Articles
💡 About this calculation: BMI = (174 × 703) ÷ (68 × 68) = 26.5 | Metric: 172.7 cm, 78.9 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