Appropriate Weight Range for a 68-Inch Male Based on BMI
For a 68-inch (5'8") male, the appropriate weight range is 125 to 164 pounds, corresponding to a healthy BMI of 18.5 to 25 kg/m².
BMI-Based Weight Calculation
The healthy weight range is determined using the standard BMI formula where weight (kg) = BMI × height (m)²:
- Lower limit (BMI 18.5): 18.5 × (1.7272)² = 55.2 kg (122 pounds) 1
- Upper limit (BMI 25): 25 × (1.7272)² = 74.5 kg (164 pounds) 1
This calculation uses the established BMI categories where 18.5-24.9 kg/m² defines healthy weight, 25.0-29.9 kg/m² indicates overweight, and ≥30 kg/m² represents obesity 1, 2.
Clinical Significance of Weight Categories
Maintaining weight within the healthy BMI range reduces risk for multiple diseases:
- Obesity (BMI ≥30) is a major risk factor for cancer, diabetes, stroke, and coronary heart disease 1
- Weight above the healthy range increases circulating glucose, insulin, and bioavailable sex hormones, all of which contribute to disease risk 1
- The standard BMI groupings (18.5-24.9 for normal weight) facilitate consistent risk assessment and avoid problems with arbitrary category selection 2
Important Considerations for Males
The higher end of the healthy weight range (approximately 155-164 pounds) typically applies to men with greater muscle and bone mass 1. Men naturally carry more lean body mass than women at equivalent heights, which is reflected in body composition differences even within the same BMI category 3, 4.
Practical Application
For a 68-inch male:
- Target weight: 125-164 pounds maintains healthy BMI
- Overweight threshold: 165-197 pounds (BMI 25-29.9) 1
- Obesity threshold: ≥198 pounds (BMI ≥30) 1
Weight maintenance within the healthy range should be established early and continued throughout life, as patterns established in youth tend to persist into adulthood 1.