BMI Result: 5ft 9in, 120 lbs (BMI 17.7) - Male
According to CDC and WHO standards, a BMI of 17.7 is classified as Underweight.
A male who is 5ft 9in tall and weighs 120lbs has a BMI of 17.7, 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 9in: 125 lbs – 169 lbs
Metric: 175.3 cm, 54.4 kg
📏 Healthy waist circumference for your height: 35" – 40" (below 40" for male)
So you're 5ft 9in and weigh 120lbs. Your BMI is 17.7, which falls into the Underweight category according to CDC and WHO standards. Let's break down what this means for your health.
Adjust Your Numbers
Change your height or weight to see how your BMI changes.
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 5.4 lbs would bring your BMI to 18.5, the start of the next category.
⬆️ Gaining approximately 5.4 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
For children and teenagers (under 18), BMI is interpreted differently. Unlike adults, BMI for youth is age- and sex-specific, using percentiles from CDC growth charts. For a 11-year-old boy at 5ft 9in and 120lbs, a BMI of 17.7 would be evaluated using pediatric growth percentiles rather than the adult underweight category.
👉 Use our Child BMI Calculator for a more accurate assessment for children and teens under 18.
👉 Visit our Kids BMI Percentile tool for detailed growth tracking.
Health Analysis
Recommendations
General Health
A BMI of 17.7 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
Goals
For a man at 5ft 9in, the CDC recommends a healthy weight range of 125-168lbs. At 120lbs, you're below this range. Consider setting a goal to gain 5-10% of your current weight over the next 3-6 months.
Diet & Nutrition
At 5ft 9in and 120lbs, a BMI of 17.7 indicates underweight. For men of this height, the CDC recommends a healthy weight range of 125-168lbs. Focus on protein-rich foods and resistance training to build muscle mass.
Frequently Asked Questions
How common is a BMI of 17.7 for a 5ft 9in man?
What is the BMI for a 5ft 9in man at 120lbs?
How does a BMI of 17.7 affect health for a 5ft 9in man?
Is 120lbs overweight for a 5ft 9in man?
Related Tools & Articles
💡 About this calculation: BMI = (120 × 703) ÷ (69 × 69) = 17.7 | Metric: 175.3 cm, 54.4 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: 2026-08-20