BMI Result: 5ft 8in, 178 lbs (BMI 27.1) - Female
According to CDC and WHO standards, a BMI of 27.1 is classified as Overweight.
A female who is 5ft 8in tall and weighs 178lbs has a BMI of 27.1, 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, 80.7 kg
📏 Healthy waist circumference for your height: 30" – 35" (below 35" for female)
So you're 5ft 8in and weigh 178lbs. Your BMI is 27.1, which falls into the Overweight category according to CDC and WHO standards. Let's break down what this means for your health.
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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.
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 19.1 lbs would bring your BMI to 30, the start of the next category.
⬆️ Gaining approximately 19.1 lbs would put you in the Obese BMI range.
⬇️ Losing approximately 13.8 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 adults 45-64, metabolic health becomes increasingly important. At 53 years old, a woman at 5ft 8in and 178lbs has a BMI of 27.1, which falls into the Overweight category.
At age 53, even modest weight loss can improve metabolic markers. Consider combining BMI with waist circumference for a more complete assessment.
👉 Calculate your Body Fat Percentage for a more complete health assessment.
👉 Try our Athlete BMI Calculator if you have higher muscle mass.
Health Analysis
Recommendations
General Health
A BMI of 27.1 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
Health Risks
With a BMI of 27.1 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.
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does a BMI of 27.1 affect health for a 5ft 8in woman?
How common is a BMI of 27.1 for a 5ft 8in woman?
How do I calculate my BMI at 5ft 8in and 178lbs?
Is 178lbs overweight for a 5ft 8in woman?
Related Tools & Articles
💡 About this calculation: BMI = (178 × 703) ÷ (68 × 68) = 27.1 | Metric: 172.7 cm, 80.7 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