BMI Result: 5ft 9in, 255 lbs (BMI 37.7) - Female

According to CDC and WHO standards, a BMI of 37.7 is classified as Obese.

Quick answer: A 5ft 9in female weighing 255 lbs has a BMI of 37.7, classified as Obese by CDC and WHO standards. The healthy weight range for this height is approximately 125โ€“169 lbs.

A female who is 5ft 9in tall and weighs 255lbs has a BMI of 37.7, which falls into the Obese category used by the CDC and WHO for adults.

37.7
Obese
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
Obese โ‰ฅ 30
Obeseโ‰ฅ 30

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

Metric: 175.3 cm, 115.7 kg

๐Ÿ“ Healthy waist circumference for your height: 30" โ€“ 35" (below 35" for female)

So you're 5ft 9in and weigh 255lbs. Your BMI is 37.7, which falls into the Obese 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 of 30 or above indicates obesity. The CDC reports that this range is associated with a 50-60% higher risk of cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes. Comprehensive lifestyle intervention and medical guidance are strongly recommended.

Source: CDC Adult BMI Guidelines (2024)

What This Means for Your Height

For women of average height, BMI is a reliable screening tool. Pair it with waist circumference for a more complete health picture.

Weight & Threshold

Gaining approximately 15.6 lbs would bring your BMI to 40, the start of the next category.

โฌ‡๏ธ Losing approximately 52.1 lbs would bring you to the Overweight BMI threshold.

Waist & Health

The CDC recommends that non-pregnant women keep waist circumference below 35 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 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 15-year-old girl at 5ft 9in and 255lbs, a BMI of 37.7 would be evaluated using pediatric growth percentiles rather than the adult obese category.

๐Ÿ‘‰ Use our Child BMI Calculator for a more accurate assessment for children and teens under 18.

๐Ÿ‘‰ Visit our Kids BMI Percentile tool for detailed growth tracking.

Health Analysis

A BMI of 37.7 for a female with height 5ft 9in and weight 255lbs falls into the Obese category.

Recommendations

General Health

A BMI of 37.7 is in the obesity range defined by the CDC and WHO. This range is associated with a higher risk of cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes. Comprehensive lifestyle intervention and medical guidance are strongly recommended.

Monitoring

In addition to BMI, pay attention to waist circumference. The CDC recommends females stay under 35 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

Monitoring

At 5ft 9in, schedule a comprehensive health checkup with your doctor. For women at this height, the CDC recommends keeping waist circumference below 35 inches. Regular monitoring of blood pressure and blood sugar is also important.

Goals

For a woman at 5ft 9in, the CDC recommends a healthy weight range of 125-168lbs. At 255lbs, you're above this range. Working with a healthcare provider to set a safe weight loss goal is recommended.

Always consult a healthcare provider for personalized medical advice.

Frequently Asked Questions

What else should I track besides BMI for a 5ft 9in woman?
In addition to BMI, waist circumference and body composition give a clearer picture of health. For a woman at 5ft 9in, keeping waist size below 35 inches is an important goal supported by CDC research.
How common is a BMI of 37.7 for a 5ft 9in woman?
According to CDC data, about 25-30% of women have a BMI in the Obese category. At 5ft 9in and 255lbs, your BMI of 37.7 is within this range.
Is 255lbs overweight for a 5ft 9in woman?
For a 5ft 9in woman, 255lbs gives a BMI of 37.7, which is Obese. This falls into the CDC's obesity category (30+).
What is the BMI for a 5ft 9in woman at 255lbs?
For a woman who is 5ft 9in and weighs 255lbs, the BMI is 37.7. This falls into the Obese category according to CDC standards.

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๐Ÿ’ก About this calculation: BMI = (255 ร— 703) รท (69 ร— 69) = 37.7 | Metric: 175.3 cm, 115.7 kg

๐Ÿ“– 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: 2026-08-23

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