BMI Result: 5ft 8in, 271 lbs (BMI 41.2) - Male
According to CDC and WHO standards, a BMI of 41.2 is classified as Obese.
A male who is 5ft 8in tall and weighs 271lbs has a BMI of 41.2, 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, 122.9 kg
📏 Healthy waist circumference for your height: 35" – 40" (below 40" for male)
So you're 5ft 8in and weigh 271lbs. Your BMI is 41.2, 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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Change your height or weight to see how your BMI changes.
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
Losing approximately 7.9 lbs would bring your BMI to 40, the boundary of the healthy weight range.
⬇️ Losing approximately 73.7 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 65 and older, BMI targets shift. Clinical guidelines (ESPEN, NIH) often recommend a slightly higher BMI range (around 23–26) for seniors to protect against bone loss and muscle decline. At 77 years old, a man at 5ft 8in and 271lbs has a BMI of 41.2.
Your BMI of 41.2 falls into the Obese category. At age 77, doctors often focus more on mobility, waist size, and functional ability than BMI alone.
👉 Use our Senior BMI Calculator for age-stratified recommendations.
👉 Check our Asian BMI Calculator for ethnicity-specific guidelines (if applicable).
Health Analysis
Recommendations
General Health
A BMI of 41.2 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
Physical Activity
For a man at 5ft 8in, start slowly with walking and light resistance training. Gradually increase intensity as fitness improves. Consult your doctor before starting any new exercise program.
Goals
For a man at 5ft 8in, the CDC recommends a healthy weight range of 121-163lbs. At 271lbs, you're above this range. Working with a healthcare provider to set a safe weight loss goal is recommended.
Frequently Asked Questions
Am I at a healthy weight at 5ft 8in and 271lbs?
What is the BMI for a 5ft 8in man at 271lbs?
How common is a BMI of 41.2 for a 5ft 8in man?
What else should I track besides BMI for a 5ft 8in man?
Related Tools & Articles
💡 About this calculation: BMI = (271 × 703) ÷ (68 × 68) = 41.2 | Metric: 172.7 cm, 122.9 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: 2026-08-19