BMI Result: 6ft 5in, 143 lbs (BMI 17.0) - Male

According to CDC and WHO standards, a BMI of 17.0 is classified as Underweight.

Quick answer: A 6ft 5in male weighing 143 lbs has a BMI of 17.0, classified as Underweight by CDC and WHO standards. The healthy weight range for this height is approximately 156–210 lbs.

A male who is 6ft 5in tall and weighs 143lbs has a BMI of 17.0, which falls into the Underweight category used by the CDC and WHO for adults.

17.0
Underweight
⚠️ 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
Underweight < 18.5
Obese≥ 30

Healthy weight range for 6ft 5in: 156 lbs – 210 lbs

Metric: 195.6 cm, 64.9 kg

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

So you're 6ft 5in and weigh 143lbs. Your BMI is 17.0, which falls into the Underweight 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 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.

Source: CDC Adult BMI Guidelines (2024)

What This Means for Your Height

For men over 6ft, BMI may overestimate body fat due to higher muscle mass. Consider waist circumference and body fat percentage for a more accurate assessment.

Weight & Threshold

Gaining approximately 12.7 lbs would bring your BMI to 18.5, the start of the next category.

⬆️ Gaining approximately 12.7 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.

Source: CDC Adult BMI Guidelines (2024)

Age Context

For adults in early to middle adulthood (20-44), BMI is a reliable screening tool. At 41 years old, a man at 6ft 5in and 143lbs has a BMI of 17.0, which falls into the Underweight category according to CDC and WHO standards.

Your BMI is below the healthy range. Consider consulting a healthcare provider for a nutritional assessment.

👉 Check your Healthy Weight Range for more context.

👉 Measure your Body Fat Percentage for a more complete picture.

Health Analysis

A BMI of 17.0 for a male with height 6ft 5in and weight 143lbs falls into the Underweight category.

Recommendations

General Health

A BMI of 17.0 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 6ft 5in, the CDC recommends a healthy weight range of 156-210lbs. At 143lbs, you're below this range. Consider setting a goal to gain 5-10% of your current weight over the next 3-6 months.

Physical Activity

For a man at 6ft 5in, focus on strength training 3-4 times per week to build muscle mass. Compound exercises like squats, deadlifts, and bench press are most effective. The CDC recommends consulting a healthcare provider before starting any new exercise program.

Always consult a healthcare provider for personalized medical advice.

Frequently Asked Questions

What percentage of men have a BMI of 17.0 at 6ft 5in?
The CDC reports that approximately 1.5% of men fall into the Underweight BMI category. Your BMI of 17.0 at 6ft 5in and 143lbs places you there.
How do I calculate my BMI at 6ft 5in and 143lbs?
BMI is calculated as weight (lbs) × 703 ÷ height (in)². For a 6ft 5in man at 143lbs, the calculation is 143 × 703 ÷ 77² = 17.0, which is Underweight.
How can a 6ft 5in man maintain a healthy weight?
For a man at 6ft 5in, maintaining weight around 156-210lbs is recommended. Focus on nutrient-dense foods and eat 5-6 smaller meals throughout the day rather than 3 large ones.
Am I at a healthy weight at 6ft 5in and 143lbs?
At 6ft 5in and 143lbs, a man's BMI is 17.0, which is Underweight. This is below the CDC's healthy weight range of 18.5-24.9. Consider consulting a healthcare provider.

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Related Tools & Articles

💡 About this calculation: BMI = (143 × 703) ÷ (77 × 77) = 17.0 | Metric: 195.6 cm, 64.9 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: 2026-10-07

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