Is 170 lbs overweight for 5'9"?
Yes — 170 lbs is 1 lbs above the healthy upper limit for 5'9".
At 170 lbs (77.1 kg) and 5'9" (175.3 cm), the BMI is 25.1 — overweight.
Public-health guidelines place the ideal weight for 175.3 cm tall adults at 125–169 kg, equivalent to a BMI between 18.5 and 24.9.
What this means
A BMI in this band is moderately associated with elevated blood pressure and altered lipid profiles, but lifestyle factors strongly modify the actual risk.
Practical next steps
- Create a modest caloric deficit of 250–500 kcal/day for steady, sustainable loss.
- Combine cardio with strength training to preserve muscle.
- Track waist measurement — it often improves before scale weight.
- Reduce ultra-processed foods and sugar-sweetened drinks first.
Frequently asked questions
Is 170 lbs overweight for 5'9"?
170 lbs at 5'9" gives a BMI of 25.1, which is overweight. The healthy range for 5'9" is 125–169 lbs.
What is the healthy weight for 5'9"?
125–169 lbs.