BMI Result: 5ft 9in, 159 lbs (BMI 23.5) - Male
According to CDC and WHO standards, a BMI of 23.5 is classified as Normal.
A male who is 5ft 9in tall and weighs 159lbs has a BMI of 23.5, which falls into the Normal category used by the CDC and WHO for adults.
| Category | BMI 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, 72.1 kg
📏 Healthy waist circumference for your height: 35" – 40" (below 40" for male)
So you're 5ft 9in and weigh 159lbs. Your BMI is 23.5, which falls into the Normal 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 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.
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 10.2 lbs would bring your BMI to 25, the start of the next category.
⬆️ Gaining approximately 10.2 lbs would put you in the Overweight BMI range.
⬇️ Losing approximately 33.9 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.
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 14-year-old boy at 5ft 9in and 159lbs, a BMI of 23.5 would be evaluated using pediatric growth percentiles rather than the adult normal 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 23.5 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.
Frequently Asked Questions
What health risks are associated with a BMI of 23.5 for a 5ft 9in man?
What percentage of men have a BMI of 23.5 at 5ft 9in?
What is the BMI for a 5ft 9in man at 159lbs?
Am I at a healthy weight at 5ft 9in and 159lbs?
Related Tools & Articles
💡 About this calculation: BMI = (159 × 703) ÷ (69 × 69) = 23.5 | Metric: 175.3 cm, 72.1 kg
📖 Recommended reading:
Published: 2026-07-08