Body mass index (BMI) is a calculation that uses your weight and height to approximate how much of your body contains fat. Calculating your child's BMI takes many factors into account, and is best determined by your child's doctor. Evaluating your child's BMI can help screen for weight problems that can increase his risk of developing diabetes or heart disease later in life.
Uses
If you think that your child is underweight or overweight, her doctor may calculate her BMI. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, BMI is a reliable indicator of body fatness for most children when used to screen for weight issues. If your child is considered underweight or obese, her doctor can help you develop a plan to get her in a healthy weight range.
Calculation
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention states that BMI is calculated by dividing weight in pounds by height in inches squared, then multiplying by 703. However, calculating your child's BMI may be more complicated because your child's doctor may also take age and gender into account. Your child's body fat changes with age and differs among boys and girls, so his doctor will likely want to give him a personal evaluation.
Classification
After your child's doctor calculates her BMI, he will put her information on a growth chart to determine how her weight and height are classified compared to other children her age. If she is under the 5th percentile, she is considered underweight. If she is between the 5th to the 85th percentile, she is considered a healthy weight. Anything greater than the 85th percentile and less than the 95th percentile means she may be considered overweight, and equal to or greater than the 95th percentile is considered obese.
Considerations
Keep in mind that your child's healthy weight range will change according to his age, and it is common for him to gain weight quickly as he grows, especially during puberty. If your child's BMI indicates that he is underweight, overweight or obese, his doctor may do further assessments such as body and skinfold thickness measurements. He may also ask questions about his diet, activity and family history.
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