How to Gauge BMI for Children
Body mass index (BMI) is a mathematical calculation used to screen children for weight-related health problems by estimating their percentage of body fat and comparing their height and weight measurements with that of other children of the same age and sex. Child BMIs take into account the distinct growth patterns of males and females as they vary with age. Children's BMIs are interpreted in percentiles on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's BMI-for-age growth charts. Less than 5th percentile is classified as underweight, healthy weight is 5th to 85th, overweight is 85th to 94th and obese is 95th percentile and above.
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Instructions
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Obtain an accurate height and weight for the child.
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Use the BMI formula, or an online BMI calculator (see resources below), to determine the BMI. To manually calculate BMI, multiply height in inches by height in inches. Divide the weight in pounds by the number achieved by multiplying the height. Multiply that number by 703.
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Plot the BMI on a BMI chart (see resources below) to determine if the BMI is classified in the underweight, healthy weight, overweight or obese percentile.
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Talk to your doctor is you have any concerns about your child's BMI. Only a physician can accurately tell you if you should be concerned about your child's weight and what you can do to ensure that your child is healthy.
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Tips & Warnings
A high BMI does not automatically indicate weight problems. Individual variants such as skin thickness, muscle mass and dietary habits must be taken into account.
For purposes of a BMI reading, a child is considered anyone aged 2 to 19 years old.
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends BMI-for-age calculations to be performed at all routine physical examinations; they will become part of your child's permanent health record.
Child and adult BMIs differ, and the corresponding charts cannot be used interchangeably. Adult BMI charts do not distinguish between age and sex.
BMIs are not used to diagnose obesity. Children go through stages of rapid growth, especially during puberty. At this time, their BMIs may spike upward, but this is not indicative of weight problems.
