Most parents wonder whether their child is a normal weight. That is a hard question to answer, though, because kids have different builds and they grow, develop and mature at different rates. A more muscular, taller and fit child might weigh more but be healthier than a shorter, less-muscular child. But there are some ways you can assess whether your child is a healthy weight.
Growth and Puberty
According to the website Kids Health, growth and puberty can affect your child’s weight. During puberty, your child’s body goes through growth spurts of up to 10 inches, rapid weight gain and various other bodily changes that could affect weight, such as breast development in girls. If you are concerned about the amount of weight your child has put on or notice differences in your child's level of activity, breathing, health or impairments in everyday activity due to weight, ask your doctor whether your child is healthy.
Body Mass Index
A child’s body mass index, or BMI, is much different from an adult’s because of the rapid changes your child goes through as he develops. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, or CDC, a BMI calculation can help you determine whether your child is underweight, in a healthy weight range, overweight or obese. The Mayo Clinic says that a BMI in the 85th percentile to the 94th percentile indicates a child who is overweight, while a BMI in the 95th percentile and up indicates a child who is obese.
How to Calculate Child BMI
According to the CDC, the BMI number is not reliable on its own because of age and sex differences in children. A 9-year-old girl might have a very different body than a 9-year-old boy, thus making accurate BMI calculations difficult. Using child-specific BMI calculators can give you more accurate reading of your child's weight. Contact your family physician or pediatrician for a reliable and up-to-date BMI chart for children and teenagers.
Childhood Obesity
Calculating your child’s BMI is important in making sure your child is neither underweight nor overweight for his age and development. According to the Mayo Clinic, symptoms of child obesity include a higher-than-average BMI. Usually, eating too much and exercising too little can cause obesity. However, there also can be genetic or hormonal causes. Obesity in childhood can cause Type 2 diabetes, metabolic syndrome, high cholesterol and blood pressure, asthma, sleep disorders, early puberty, low self-esteem, depression and even learning problems.
Risk Factors for Obesity
Risk factors for childhood obesity include eating food that is high in calories and low in nutrition, not getting adequate exercise and physical activity, a family history of obesity, psychological factors such as stress, environmental factors such as a kitchen being stocked with baked goods, and socio-economic factors. If you are worried about your child’s BMI or health, talk with your physician to come up with a strategy for managing her weight.
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