Determining if your child is at a healthy weight is not as easy as looking at a number on the scale. This is because there are a variety of factors that contribute, such as gender, height and muscle mass. The best way to determine if your child is at a healthy weight is to determine her body mass index (BMI) and compare it to a BMI chart designed for children and teens. BMIs do not measure body fat directly, but they provide an accurate idea of where your child sits in regards to a healthy weight.
What is BMI?
BMI is a number calculated from an individual's height and weight measurements that indicates body fat content. Although it does not measure the percentage of body fat, it provides a guideline for whether your child is underweight, at a healthy weight, overweight or obese. Your family physician can calculate your child's BMI or you can use online tools to determine your child's BMI.
What is a BMI percentile?
Once a BMI has been calculated for your child, plot the number on an age-specific and gender-specific BMI chart to get a percentile standing. The percentile shows where your child is, weight-wise among his peers of the same gender and age. The percentiles are broken into categories; underweight is less than 5 percent, healthy weight is between 5 and 85 percent, overweight is between 85 and 95 percent and obese is greater than 95 percent. Once you have plotted your child's BMI on the appropriate chart you will know where he falls in terms of a healthy weight.
Childhood Obesity
According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, the number of overweight children has tripled in the last 20 years. Obesity in children is a growing challenge in the United States. Children and adolescents that are overweight are more prone to develop high cholesterol, type II diabetes, orthopedic problems, depression and respiratory ailments during their youth and later in life. The root problems surrounding childhood obesity are unhealthy eating habits and lack of physical exercise.
Nutrition
You can help your child maintain a healthy weight by providing a variety of well-balanced meals and snacks. Never put your child on a restricted diet unless advised by a medical professional. In addition, don't restrict certain foods from your child's diet, but instead allow them in moderation and watch portion sizes. Providing your child with three nutritious meals a day as well as a couple of healthy snacks will ensure that she is getting the nutrition she needs while avoiding excess calories that can lead to weight gain.
Exercise
Exercise is a large part of maintaining a healthy weight. Encourage your child to participate in team sports or recreational activities. These are a great way to ensure that your child is getting varied exercise including aerobic exercise, muscle strengthening, bone strengthening and flexibility. If he is not interested in group activities, take this opportunity to spend more time with your child by going on walks, bike rides or hikes together. Introduce him to your favorite sport or activity and play together.
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