BMI Result: 5ft 9in, 147 lbs (BMI 21.7) - Male

According to CDC and WHO standards, a BMI of 21.7 is classified as Normal.

Quick answer: A 5ft 9in male weighing 147 lbs has a BMI of 21.7, classified as Normal by CDC and WHO standards. The healthy weight range for this height is approximately 125–169 lbs.

A male who is 5ft 9in tall and weighs 147lbs has a BMI of 21.7, which falls into the Normal category used by the CDC and WHO for adults.

21.7
Normal
⚠️ 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
Normal 18.5 – 24.9
Obese≥ 30

Healthy weight range for 5ft 9in: 125 lbs – 169 lbs

Metric: 175.3 cm, 66.7 kg

📏 Healthy waist circumference for your height: 35" – 40" (below 40" for male)

So you're 5ft 9in and weigh 147lbs. Your BMI is 21.7, which falls into the Normal 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 in the 18.5-24.9 range is considered healthy by CDC and WHO standards. This range is associated with the lowest risk of cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes.

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 22.3 lbs would bring your BMI to 25, the start of the next category.

⬆️ Gaining approximately 22.3 lbs would put you in the Overweight BMI range.

⬇️ Losing approximately 21.7 lbs would bring you to the Underweight 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.

Source: CDC Adult BMI Guidelines (2024)

Age Context

For adults 45-64, metabolic health becomes increasingly important. At 61 years old, a man at 5ft 9in and 147lbs has a BMI of 21.7, which falls into the Normal category.

For adults in this age range, maintaining stable weight and regular physical activity is key to preserving metabolic health.

👉 Calculate your Body Fat Percentage for a more complete health assessment.

👉 Try our Athlete BMI Calculator if you have higher muscle mass.

Health Analysis

A BMI of 21.7 for a male with height 5ft 9in and weight 147lbs falls into the Normal category.

Recommendations

General Health

A BMI of 21.7 is within the normal range defined by the CDC and WHO. Staying within this range is generally associated with lower rates of chronic conditions compared to higher or lower BMI categories.

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 21.7 for a 5ft 9in man, the normal range is associated with the lowest risk of cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes. Men in this range have a 40% lower risk of developing type 2 diabetes compared to those with a BMI over 25.

Physical Activity

For a man at 5ft 9in and 147lbs, regular physical activity that you enjoy, combined with activities that maintain muscle strength, supports overall health.

Always consult a healthcare provider for personalized medical advice.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does a BMI of 21.7 affect health for a 5ft 9in man?
At 5ft 9in with a BMI of 21.7 (Normal), the normal range is associated with the lowest risk of cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle is key to overall well-being.
What percentage of men have a BMI of 21.7 at 5ft 9in?
The CDC reports that approximately 31% of men fall into the Normal BMI category. Your BMI of 21.7 at 5ft 9in and 147lbs places you there.
How do I calculate my BMI at 5ft 9in and 147lbs?
BMI is calculated as weight (lbs) × 703 ÷ height (in)². For a 5ft 9in man at 147lbs, the calculation is 147 × 703 ÷ 69² = 21.7, which is Normal.
How can a 5ft 9in man maintain a healthy weight?
For a man at 5ft 9in, maintaining weight around 125-168lbs is recommended. Continue eating a balanced diet with plenty of fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins.

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Related Tools & Articles

💡 About this calculation: BMI = (147 × 703) ÷ (69 × 69) = 21.7 | Metric: 175.3 cm, 66.7 kg

📖 Recommended reading:

Based on CDC and WHO adult BMI standards. This information is for educational purposes and does not replace professional medical advice.

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: 2026-08-21

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