BMI Result: 5ft 9in, 116 lbs (BMI 17.1) - Male

According to CDC and WHO standards, a BMI of 17.1 is classified as Underweight.

Quick answer: A 5ft 9in male weighing 116 lbs has a BMI of 17.1, classified as Underweight by CDC and WHO standards. The healthy weight range for this height is approximately 125โ€“169 lbs.

A male who is 5ft 9in tall and weighs 116lbs has a BMI of 17.1, which falls into the Underweight category used by the CDC and WHO for adults.

17.1
Underweight
โš ๏ธ 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
Underweight < 18.5
Obeseโ‰ฅ 30

Healthy weight range for 5ft 9in: 125 lbs โ€“ 169 lbs

Metric: 175.3 cm, 52.6 kg

๐Ÿ“ Healthy waist circumference for your height: 35" โ€“ 40" (below 40" for male)

So you're 5ft 9in and weigh 116lbs. Your BMI is 17.1, which falls into the Underweight 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 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.

Source: CDC Adult BMI Guidelines (2024)

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 9.5 lbs would bring your BMI to 18.5, the start of the next category.

โฌ†๏ธ Gaining approximately 9.5 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.

Source: CDC Adult BMI Guidelines (2024)

Age Context

For adults in early to middle adulthood (20-44), BMI is a reliable screening tool. At 32 years old, a man at 5ft 9in and 116lbs has a BMI of 17.1, which falls into the Underweight category according to CDC and WHO standards.

Your BMI is below the healthy range. Consider consulting a healthcare provider for a nutritional assessment.

๐Ÿ‘‰ Check your Healthy Weight Range for more context.

๐Ÿ‘‰ Measure your Body Fat Percentage for a more complete picture.

Health Analysis

A BMI of 17.1 for a male with height 5ft 9in and weight 116lbs falls into the Underweight category.

Recommendations

General Health

A BMI of 17.1 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

Goals

For a man at 5ft 9in, the CDC recommends a healthy weight range of 125-168lbs. At 116lbs, you're below this range. Consider setting a goal to gain 5-10% of your current weight over the next 3-6 months.

Health Risks

With a BMI of 17.1 for a 5ft 9in 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.

Always consult a healthcare provider for personalized medical advice.

Frequently Asked Questions

What else should I track besides BMI for a 5ft 9in man?
In addition to BMI, waist circumference and body composition give a clearer picture of health. For a man at 5ft 9in, keeping waist size below 40 inches is an important goal supported by CDC research.
What percentage of men have a BMI of 17.1 at 5ft 9in?
The CDC reports that approximately 1.5% of men fall into the Underweight BMI category. Your BMI of 17.1 at 5ft 9in and 116lbs places you there.
What is the BMI for a 5ft 9in man at 116lbs?
For a man who is 5ft 9in and weighs 116lbs, the BMI is 17.1. This falls into the Underweight category according to CDC standards.
Is 116lbs overweight for a 5ft 9in man?
For a 5ft 9in man, 116lbs gives a BMI of 17.1, which is Underweight. This is below the CDC's healthy weight range of 18.5-24.9. Consider consulting a healthcare provider.

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๐Ÿ’ก About this calculation: BMI = (116 ร— 703) รท (69 ร— 69) = 17.1 | Metric: 175.3 cm, 52.6 kg

๐Ÿ“– 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: 2026-08-20

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