Overweight Calculator
- Normal weight range for the height
- 128.9 - 174.2 lbs
- BMI
- 23.0 kg/m²
Enter your height and weight in this overweight calculator to see whether your body mass index falls in the normal, overweight or obese range for adults.
What Is Being Overweight and Obesity?
Overweight and obesity mean carrying more body fat than is considered healthy for a given height. Because body fat is hard to measure directly, adults are usually screened with body mass index (BMI), weight in kilograms divided by height in meters squared. A BMI of 25 to 29.9 is classed as overweight and 30 or above as obesity. Obesity is further divided into class 1 (30 to 34.9), class 2 (35 to 39.9) and class 3 (40 or higher).
BMI is a screening tool, not a diagnosis. It cannot distinguish fat from muscle, so very muscular people may be labeled overweight without excess fat. Where fat is stored also matters: fat around the abdomen is more closely linked to heart disease and diabetes, so a waist measurement over 40 inches for men or 35 inches for women adds to the risk picture. According to the CDC, about two in five US adults have obesity, and around three in four have either overweight or obesity.
Genetics Matter, But Don't Tell the Whole Story
Studies of twins and adopted children show that genes explain a substantial share of the differences in body weight between people, by many estimates 40% to 70%. Hundreds of gene variants each nudge appetite, feelings of fullness, food preferences and how the body stores energy. A few rare single-gene conditions cause severe obesity from early childhood.
Yet the sharp rise in obesity over the past few decades happened far too quickly to be explained by genetic change. What changed is the environment: inexpensive, calorie-dense foods are everywhere, portion sizes have grown and daily life involves much less physical work. Genes influence how strongly a person responds to that environment, but they do not make weight gain inevitable. Sleep, stress, some medications and certain medical conditions also play a part.
Physical Activity Makes the Difference
Regular activity helps prevent weight gain, supports weight loss when combined with eating changes and is one of the best predictors of keeping weight off afterward. Adults are advised to get at least 150 minutes a week of moderate activity, such as brisk walking, plus strength training twice a week. Activity improves blood pressure, blood sugar and mood even when the scale does not change.
It Helps to Never Gain Too Much Weight
Most adults gain weight gradually, often a pound or two a year, which adds up over decades. Preventing that slow creep is far easier than losing the weight later, because the body resists weight loss by increasing hunger and lowering energy use. Weighing yourself regularly, watching portion sizes and sugary drinks, and staying active can keep small gains from becoming large ones.
If you already carry extra weight, modest losses still pay off: losing 5% to 10% of body weight can improve blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar. A doctor can discuss options ranging from lifestyle programs to medication or surgery for those who qualify. The table shows the normal BMI weight range for a variety of adult heights.
| Height | Normal weight range (BMI 18.5–24.9) | Overweight starts at |
|---|---|---|
| 4′10″ (147 cm) | 89 – 119 lb | 120 lb |
| 5′0″ (152 cm) | 95 – 127 lb | 128 lb |
| 5′2″ (157 cm) | 101 – 136 lb | 137 lb |
| 5′4″ (163 cm) | 108 – 145 lb | 146 lb |
| 5′6″ (168 cm) | 115 – 154 lb | 155 lb |
| 5′8″ (173 cm) | 122 – 163 lb | 164 lb |
| 5′10″ (178 cm) | 129 – 173 lb | 174 lb |
| 6′0″ (183 cm) | 136 – 183 lb | 184 lb |
| 6′2″ (188 cm) | 144 – 193 lb | 195 lb |
| 6′4″ (193 cm) | 152 – 204 lb | 205 lb |
Frequently asked questions
What BMI is considered overweight?
For adults, a BMI from 25 to 29.9 is overweight and 30 or higher is obesity.
How much do I need to weigh to be overweight?
It depends on height. At 5 feet 10 inches, overweight begins at about 174 pounds (BMI 25).
Can I be overweight by BMI but healthy?
Possibly. Muscular people may have a high BMI without excess fat. Waist size, blood pressure, blood sugar and cholesterol give a fuller picture.
Does this calculator work for children?
It shows BMI, but children and teens must be assessed with BMI-for-age percentiles; overweight in children is the 85th to below the 95th percentile.
How do I work out how much I am overweight?
Find the top of the normal range for your height, 25 × height (m)², or 25 × height (in)² ÷ 703 in pounds, and subtract it from your weight. At 5 feet 10 inches the limit is about 174 pounds, so someone weighing 200 pounds is about 26 pounds above the normal range. The calculator shows this figure whenever your BMI is 25 or higher.
Results are estimates for educational purposes and are not medical advice. Talk to a doctor or other qualified health professional about your situation.
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