BMI Result: 5ft 8in, 266 lbs (BMI 40.4) - Female

According to CDC and WHO standards, a BMI of 40.4 is classified as Obese.

Quick answer: A 5ft 8in female weighing 266 lbs has a BMI of 40.4, classified as Obese by CDC and WHO standards. The healthy weight range for this height is approximately 122–164 lbs.

A female who is 5ft 8in tall and weighs 266lbs has a BMI of 40.4, which falls into the Obese category used by the CDC and WHO for adults.

40.4
Obese
⚠️ 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
Obese ≥ 30
Obese≥ 30

Healthy weight range for 5ft 8in: 122 lbs – 164 lbs

Metric: 172.7 cm, 120.7 kg

📏 Healthy waist circumference for your height: 30" – 35" (below 35" for female)

So you're 5ft 8in and weigh 266lbs. Your BMI is 40.4, which falls into the Obese 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 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.

Source: CDC Adult BMI Guidelines (2024)

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

Losing approximately 2.6 lbs would bring your BMI to 40, the boundary of the healthy weight range.

⬇️ Losing approximately 68.4 lbs would bring you to the Overweight 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.

Source: CDC Adult BMI Guidelines (2024)

Age Context

For adults 45-64, metabolic health becomes increasingly important. At 62 years old, a woman at 5ft 8in and 266lbs has a BMI of 40.4, which falls into the Obese category.

At age 62, 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.

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Health Analysis

A BMI of 40.4 for a female with height 5ft 8in and weight 266lbs falls into the Obese category.

Recommendations

General Health

A BMI of 40.4 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 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

Physical Activity

For a woman at 5ft 8in, start with low-impact activities like swimming or stationary cycling to protect your joints while building stamina. Consult your doctor before starting any new exercise program.

Health Risks

With a BMI of 40.4 for a 5ft 8in woman, the obesity 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.

Always consult a healthcare provider for personalized medical advice.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I calculate my BMI at 5ft 8in and 266lbs?
BMI is calculated as weight (lbs) × 703 ÷ height (in)². For a 5ft 8in woman at 266lbs, the calculation is 266 × 703 ÷ 68² = 40.4, which is Obese.
What percentage of women have a BMI of 40.4 at 5ft 8in?
The CDC reports that approximately 25-30% of women fall into the Obese BMI category. Your BMI of 40.4 at 5ft 8in and 266lbs places you there.
How does a BMI of 40.4 affect health for a 5ft 8in woman?
At 5ft 8in with a BMI of 40.4 (Obese), the obesity range is associated with a 50-60% higher risk of cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle is key to overall well-being.
How can a 5ft 8in woman maintain a healthy weight?
For a woman at 5ft 8in, maintaining weight around 121-163lbs is recommended. Work with a registered dietitian to create a sustainable meal plan focusing on whole, unprocessed foods.

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💡 About this calculation: BMI = (266 × 703) ÷ (68 × 68) = 40.4 | Metric: 172.7 cm, 120.7 kg

📖 Recommended reading:

BMI data sourced from CDC and WHO guidelines. This content is informational only. Please consult a healthcare professional for any health decisions.

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

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