BMI Result: 5ft 8in, 256 lbs (BMI 38.9) - Male
According to CDC and WHO standards, a BMI of 38.9 is classified as Obese.
A male who is 5ft 8in tall and weighs 256lbs has a BMI of 38.9, which falls into the Obese category used by the CDC and WHO for adults.
| Category | BMI Range |
|---|---|
| Underweight | < 18.5 |
| Obese | ≥ 30 |
| Obese | ≥ 30 |
Healthy weight range for 5ft 8in: 122 lbs – 164 lbs
Metric: 172.7 cm, 116.1 kg
📏 Healthy waist circumference for your height: 35" – 40" (below 40" for male)
So you're 5ft 8in and weigh 256lbs. Your BMI is 38.9, which falls into the Obese 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 of 30 or above indicates obesity. The CDC reports that this range is associated with a 50-60% higher risk of cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes. Comprehensive lifestyle intervention and medical guidance are strongly recommended.
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 7.2 lbs would bring your BMI to 40, the start of the next category.
⬇️ Losing approximately 58.5 lbs would bring you to the Overweight 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 45-64, metabolic health becomes increasingly important. At 52 years old, a man at 5ft 8in and 256lbs has a BMI of 38.9, which falls into the Obese category.
At age 52, 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 38.9 is in the obesity range defined by the CDC and WHO. This range is associated with a higher risk of cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes. Comprehensive lifestyle intervention and medical guidance are strongly recommended.
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
Goals
For a man at 5ft 8in, the CDC recommends a healthy weight range of 121-163lbs. At 256lbs, you're above this range. Working with a healthcare provider to set a safe weight loss goal is recommended.
Health Risks
With a BMI of 38.9 for a 5ft 8in man, the obesity range is associated with a 40-50% higher risk of cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes. Comprehensive lifestyle intervention and medical guidance are strongly recommended.
Frequently Asked Questions
Am I at a healthy weight at 5ft 8in and 256lbs?
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What health risks are associated with a BMI of 38.9 for a 5ft 8in man?
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Related Tools & Articles
💡 About this calculation: BMI = (256 × 703) ÷ (68 × 68) = 38.9 | Metric: 172.7 cm, 116.1 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: 2026-08-18