BMI Result: 5ft 9in, 290 lbs (BMI 42.8) - Male

According to CDC and WHO standards, a BMI of 42.8 is classified as Obese.

Quick answer: A 5ft 9in male weighing 290 lbs has a BMI of 42.8, classified as Obese 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 290lbs has a BMI of 42.8, which falls into the Obese category used by the CDC and WHO for adults.

42.8
Obese
⚠️ 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 ≥ 30
Obese≥ 30

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

Metric: 175.3 cm, 131.5 kg

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

So you're 5ft 9in and weigh 290lbs. Your BMI is 42.8, 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 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

Losing approximately 19.0 lbs would bring your BMI to 40, the boundary of the healthy weight range.

⬇️ Losing approximately 86.7 lbs would bring you to the Overweight 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 48 years old, a man at 5ft 9in and 290lbs has a BMI of 42.8, which falls into the Obese category.

At age 48, maintaining a healthy weight is particularly important. Research shows that adults over 45 with a BMI in the obese range have a significantly higher risk of metabolic syndrome and cardiovascular disease.

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Health Analysis

A BMI of 42.8 for a male with height 5ft 9in and weight 290lbs falls into the Obese category.

Recommendations

General Health

A BMI of 42.8 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 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 42.8 for a 5ft 9in man, the obesity range is associated with a 40-50% higher risk of cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes. Comprehensive lifestyle intervention and medical guidance are strongly recommended.

Goals

For a man at 5ft 9in, the CDC recommends a healthy weight range of 125-168lbs. At 290lbs, 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 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.
Is 290lbs overweight for a 5ft 9in man?
For a 5ft 9in man, 290lbs gives a BMI of 42.8, which is Obese. This falls into the CDC's obesity category (30+).
How common is a BMI of 42.8 for a 5ft 9in man?
According to CDC data, about 25-30% of men have a BMI in the Obese category. At 5ft 9in and 290lbs, your BMI of 42.8 is within this range.
How does a BMI of 42.8 affect health for a 5ft 9in man?
At 5ft 9in with a BMI of 42.8 (Obese), the obesity range is associated with a 50-60% higher risk of cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle is key to overall well-being.

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Related Tools & Articles

💡 About this calculation: BMI = (290 × 703) ÷ (69 × 69) = 42.8 | Metric: 175.3 cm, 131.5 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: 2026-08-24

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