Although clear differences exist between boys and girls, it's important to remember that no two girls are alike. Thus, no one perfect weight for a girl exists. To calculate a girl's ideal weight, you can use the body mass index, or BMI, which factors in height and weight to gauge body fat. You can also consult your daughter's pediatrician for a professional opinion regarding your daughter's weight and health.
Child Development
Every girl develops at her own rate. Some girls may enter puberty as young as 8 years old, while others don't enter puberty until they are 14. Puberty development may cause a girl to shoot up in height and gain significant weight. During this period, your daughter's body produces new muscle, healthy fat and bone. Therefore, what may seem like worrisome weight gain is actually healthy, natural body development. Given this, it is important not to hold a girl to an ideal weight, but instead consider her body's individual needs and development.
Body Mass Index
Experts have developed BMI to help determine the ideal weight of adults and children. The BMI uses weight and height to measure an individual's body fat. You can use your daughter's BMI to determine whether she is underweight, at a normal weight, overweight or obese.
To calculate your daughter's BMI, you will need her height in inches and her weight in pounds. Begin the calculation by squaring your daughter's height. Next, divide your daughter's weight by the square of your daughter's height. Finally, multiply that number by 703. The final result is your daughter's BMI. For example, if your daughter is 56 inches tall and weighs 90 pounds, start by multiplying 56 by 56 to get 3136. Next, divide 90 by 3136 to get 0.028. Multiply this number by 703 to get 19.6, your daughter's BMI.
Understanding Your Daughter's BMI
Generally, if you have a BMI below 18.5, you are considered underweight. You are of normal weight if your BMI is between 18.5 and 24.9. BMIs ranging between 25 and 29.9 are considered overweight, and BMIs of 30 and above are obese.
While experts use this range as a general rule, they also recognize the varied growth rate of girls. Therefore, experts have developed a chart specifically for girls that considers BMI in relation to age. On the chart, percentile lines account for the range of growth a girl may experience at any age. On this chart, a girl is considered to be of normal weight if her BMI falls between the 5th and 85th percentile for her age. If her BMI is below the 5th percentile, she is underweight. If her BMI is above the 85th percentile, she is overweight, and she is considered obese if her BMI is above the 95th percentile.
Warning About BMI
Although BMI is commonly used to evaluate the weight of individuals of all ages, the formula does not take into consideration the unique circumstances of each person. For example, the BMI cannot differentiate muscle from fat. Every girl develops at a different rate and experiences unique variables that affect her weight, height and overall health. Consult your daughter's pediatrician if you have any concerns about your child's weight or health.
Healthy Lifestyle
A nutritious diet, exercise and good self-esteem will help your daughter stay healthy. Help your daughter eat balanced meals, participate in aerobic exercise and develop a good body image. This will help your daughter maintain her natural, ideal weight. Consult your daughter's pediatrician to learn how you can support your daughter's healthy lifestyle.
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