There is no single, normal weight and height for an 8-year-old child. Factors such as gender and puberty development can dramatically affect these variables. You can use resources such as the body mass index scale and your child's pediatrician to determine whether your 8-year-old is healthy and growing at a normal rate.
Child Development
Every child develops at a different rate. Some kids reach puberty as early as 8 years old; others may not reach puberty until they are 14. Fat and muscle are distributed differently in boys' and girls' bodies. Given this, the ideal weight for an 8-year-old girl is not necessarily the same as the ideal weight for a 8-year-old boy. What is most important at any age is that a child's height and weight is in proportion with the ratio of fat and muscle in the body.
Body Mass Index
Experts use the body mass index to determine the measure of an individual's body fat based on that person's height and weight. This indicates whether you are at a normal weight, underweight, overweight or obese.
To calculate your child's BMI, you need to know his or her weight in pounds and height in inches. First square your child's height. Then divide your child's weight by this number. Multiply the product of that number by 703. This gives your your child's BMI. For example, if your child is 55 inches tall and weighs 100 pounds, multiply 55 by 55 to get 3025. Then divide 100 by 3025 to get 0.033. Multiply this by 703 to get 23.2. This number would be your child's BMI.
Understanding BMI for Children
Generally, BMI values under 18.5 indicate that you are underweight. BMIs in the range of 18.5 to 24.9 indicate that you are of normal weight. You may be overweight if your BMI is between 25 and 29.9, or obese if your BMI is 30 or greater.
Since children develop at such different rates, experts developed BMI charts that measure BMI in relation to a child's age and gender. The chart uses percentile lines to indicate whether a child of a specific age is underweight, of normal weight, overweight or obese. If your child's BMI is equal to or greater than the fifth percentile and lower than the 85th percentile for 8-year-olds, then he is of normal weight. An 8-year-old boy is generally of normal weight if he has a BMI in the range of 13.75 and 18. An 8-year-old girl is generally of normal weight if she has a BMI in the range of 13.5 to 18.25.
Cautions About BMI
BMI is a general formula that does not take into consideration the unique circumstances of every individual. Every child's body develops very differently, and the BMI scale may not properly distinguish between fat and muscle. If you are concerned about your child's height and weight, consult your child's pediatrician.
Healthy Lifestyle
A balanced diet and exercise are critical for the healthy development of your child. Be sure to provide well-balanced, nutritious meals for your 8-year-old, and encourage exercise and play. Good diet and physical activity help maintain a healthy proportion of weight to height. Consult your child's pediatrician if you have any questions or concerns about your child's diet.
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