BMI Result: 5ft 8in, 197 lbs (BMI 30.0) - Female
According to CDC and WHO standards, a BMI of 30.0 is classified as Overweight.
A female who is 5ft 8in tall and weighs 197lbs has a BMI of 30.0, 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, 89.4 kg
📏 Healthy waist circumference for your height: 30" – 35" (below 35" for female)
So you're 5ft 8in and weigh 197lbs. Your BMI is 30.0, 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 65.8 lbs would bring your BMI to 40, the start of the next category.
⬇️ Losing approximately 32.9 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 adults 45-64, metabolic health becomes increasingly important. At 51 years old, a woman at 5ft 8in and 197lbs has a BMI of 30.0, which falls into the Obese category.
At age 51, maintaining a healthy weight is particularly important. Research shows that adults over 45 with a BMI in the obese range have a significantly higher risk of metabolic syndrome and cardiovascular disease.
👉 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 30.0 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.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the BMI for a 5ft 8in woman at 197lbs?
What health risks are associated with a BMI of 30.0 for a 5ft 8in woman?
How common is a BMI of 30.0 for a 5ft 8in woman?
How can a 5ft 8in woman maintain a healthy weight?
Related Tools & Articles
💡 About this calculation: BMI = (197 × 703) ÷ (68 × 68) = 30.0 | Metric: 172.7 cm, 89.4 kg
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Published: 2026-09-09