What is the normal body mass index (BMI) range for a 6ft 3in tall male patient weighing 245 lbs?

BMI Assessment for 6ft 3in and 245 lbs

A person who is 6 feet 3 inches tall and weighs 245 pounds has a BMI of 30.6 kg/m², which falls into the obesity category (BMI ≥30) and warrants weight loss treatment. 1

BMI Calculation and Classification

• BMI = 30.6 kg/m² (calculated as: 245 lbs = 111.1 kg; 6'3" = 75 inches = 1.905 meters; BMI = 111.1 ÷ (1.905)² = 30.6) 1

• The normal BMI range is 18.5-24.9 kg/m², which for someone 6'3" tall corresponds to approximately 140-189 pounds 1

• This individual's BMI of 30.6 places them in Class I Obesity (BMI 30.0-34.9), which carries a "high" disease risk for type 2 diabetes, hypertension, and cardiovascular disease 1

Clinical Significance and Health Risks

• Cardiovascular and obesity-related disease risks increase significantly when BMI exceeds 25.0 kg/m², and overall mortality increases most dramatically as BMI levels surpass 30 kg/m² 1

• At this BMI level, there is increased risk for multiple cancers (breast, colon, endometrium, esophageal adenocarcinoma, gallbladder, pancreas, kidney), as well as diabetes, hypertension, dyslipidemia, and sleep apnea 1

• Weight loss treatment is indicated for individuals with BMI ≥30, regardless of the presence of additional cardiovascular risk factors 1

Recommended Actions

• Assess for obesity-related comorbidities: Check blood pressure, fasting glucose or HbA1c, lipid panel, and screen for sleep apnea symptoms 1

• Measure waist circumference: A waist circumference >40 inches (102 cm) in men further elevates cardiometabolic risk beyond BMI alone 1

• Target initial weight loss of 10% of body weight (approximately 24-25 pounds), which can significantly reduce chronic disease risk factors even without reaching normal BMI 1

• Implement comprehensive lifestyle modification: Reduce caloric intake by 500-750 kcal/day through portion control and limiting calorie-dense foods (fried foods, sweets, soft drinks), while increasing physical activity to at least 150 minutes of moderate intensity exercise weekly 1

Important Caveats

• While BMI is the standard screening tool, it has limitations—it does not distinguish between fat mass and lean muscle mass, and may underestimate body fat percentage, particularly in older adults 2, 3

• However, at a BMI of 30.6, the diagnosis of obesity is clear and the health risks are well-established regardless of BMI's limitations at borderline values 1

• The combination of BMI and waist circumference provides better risk stratification than BMI alone 1