BMI Result: 5ft 8in, 97 lbs (BMI 14.7) - Male
According to CDC and WHO standards, a BMI of 14.7 is classified as Underweight.
A male who is 5ft 8in tall and weighs 97lbs has a BMI of 14.7, which falls into the Underweight category used by the CDC and WHO for adults.
| Category | BMI Range |
|---|---|
| Underweight | < 18.5 |
| Underweight | < 18.5 |
| Obese | ≥ 30 |
Healthy weight range for 5ft 8in: 122 lbs – 164 lbs
Metric: 172.7 cm, 44.0 kg
📏 Healthy waist circumference for your height: 35" – 40" (below 40" for male)
So you're 5ft 8in and weigh 97lbs. Your BMI is 14.7, which falls into the Underweight 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 below 18.5 may indicate nutritional insufficiency. According to the CDC, this range is associated with increased risk of bone density loss and immune function decline. Consulting a healthcare provider is recommended for a thorough nutritional assessment.
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 25.0 lbs would bring your BMI to 18.5, the start of the next category.
⬆️ Gaining approximately 25.0 lbs would put you in the Normal BMI range.
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
At ages 18-19, BMI interpretation transitions. This age range sits between pediatric percentiles and adult fixed cutoffs. A 19-year-old man at 5ft 8in and 97lbs has a BMI of 14.7, which falls into the Underweight category under adult CDC/WHO standards.
👉 For younger individuals, visit our Teen BMI Calculator.
👉 Check your Healthy Weight Range for more context.
Health Analysis
Recommendations
General Health
A BMI of 14.7 is below the CDC and WHO healthy range of 18.5-24.9. This may indicate nutritional insufficiency. Consulting a healthcare provider is recommended for a thorough nutritional assessment.
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
Health Risks
With a BMI of 14.7 for a 5ft 8in man, the underweight range is associated with increased risk of bone density loss and immune function decline. Consulting a healthcare provider is recommended for a thorough nutritional assessment.
Physical Activity
For a man at 5ft 8in, focus on strength training 3-4 times per week to build muscle mass. Compound exercises like squats, deadlifts, and bench press are most effective. The CDC recommends consulting a healthcare provider before starting any new exercise program.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does a BMI of 14.7 affect health for a 5ft 8in man?
What percentage of men have a BMI of 14.7 at 5ft 8in?
How do I calculate my BMI at 5ft 8in and 97lbs?
Am I at a healthy weight at 5ft 8in and 97lbs?
Related Tools & Articles
💡 About this calculation: BMI = (97 × 703) ÷ (68 × 68) = 14.7 | Metric: 172.7 cm, 44.0 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: 2026-08-14