Normal BMI for a Male

Many government and scientific health organizations have promoted use of the body mass index, which incorporates estimated but more accurate measures of body fat than weight alone. Based on the ratio of your weight to your height, you are assigned a two-digit number between 15 and 35, regardless of sex, with values falling between 19 and 25 considered a normal BMI. However, more precise methods go beyond the BMI to suggest the ideal body weight for your sex and height.

BMI Values

A normal BMI is between 19 and 25. For a man who is 5 feet, 10 inches, this corresponds to a body weight between 132 and 174 lbs. A BMI above 25 is overweight, and above 30 is obese. A BMI that below 17 indicate a weight less than the low end of the normal range of weight for height, and raises the concern for an eating disorder, malnourishment or other medical conditions.

Calculating Your BMI

You can figure out your BMI in one of several ways. Measure your weight in pounds and your height in inches. Then, plot these values on a BMI chart, such as the one provided by the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute.

To calculate your BMI mathematically and without a chart, take your weight in pounds, multiply by 700, and divide by your height in inches, squared. Using the example of a man who is 5 feet, 10 inches, and weighs 150 lbs.: 150 lbs. multiplied by 700 equals 105,000, divided by the square of 70 inches, or 4900, yields a BMI of 21.42.

If you prefer to avoid math, use one of the many online BMI calculators, such as the one provided by the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute.

Risk of Being Overweight

If your BMI is above 25, your weight is greater than the upper limit of recommended weight for height, and your health may be at risk. More than half of U.S. adults are overweight, and nearly one-fourth are obese. Being overweight or obese are proven risk factors for diabetes, heart disease, stroke, hypertension, osteoarthritis and some forms of cancer.

Body Fat Percentage

If you are very muscular, you may be overweight according to BMI tables, but without a corresponding increase in body fat, you may still be healthy. A simple method to estimate your body fat percentage is to measure your waist circumference at the navel, along with your hips and wrist. Plug in these values, along with your body weight, at BMI-Calculator.net for a rough estimate of your body fat percentage. According to the American Council on Exercise, an acceptable body fat percentage for men ranges from 6 percent to 24 percent, depending on activity level.

Beyond BMI

The risk of heart disease, diabetes and high blood pressure begin to climb when the BMI is around 22. In his book, "Eat to Live," Joel Fuhrman suggests an alternative formula to the BMI for determining ideal body weight: Take 105 lbs. for the first 5 feet of height and add 5 lbs. for every inch thereafter. A man who is 5 feet, 10 inches should weigh approximately 155 lbs., which corresponds to a BMI of around 22. Dr. Fuhrman adds that you should not have more than 1/2 inch of skin to pinch near your belly button, as any fat on the body over this minimum is a health risk.