Bmi Calculations For Children

Body mass index, or BMI, is a way of determining your health based on weight and height. It can be useful for children, teenagers, adults and the elderly. While the BMI does have some limitations, since it takes into account only your weight versus your height, it may be a useful marker in comparing your child's physique with that of other children.

Age and Gender Differences

When examining your child's BMI, note that body composition changes as your child ages and male and female children have different body mass composition. Percentile charts for BMI accord with your child's age and gender for these reasons.

BMI Percentiles

The body mass index for children over 2 years old is calculated in the same fashion as an adult's. The only difference is, once you have determined your child's BMI, you must plot the BMI against other children of the same age to determine if your child is considered underweight, normal or overweight. Plotting your child against other children of the same age will give you a percentile, which is the most commonly used form of determining the health of your child's growth.

Calculating BMI

Begin by determining the current height and weight of your child. Calculate the BMI by using a simple formula: BMI = weight (lbs.) / [height (inches)]2 x 703. Once you have determined your child's BMI, you must plot the BMI on the BMI for age chart. If your child is under the 5th percentile, he is underweight. From the 5th to the 85th percentile is considered normal. Your child may be overweight if he ranks from the 85th to the 95th percentile and is considered obese when over the 95th percentile.

Recommendations

BMI should not be used to assess your child's growth until she reaches two years old. If you are concerned about your child's BMI, consult with her pediatrician regarding the appropriateness of her weight. Eating right and getting physical activity is as important for children as it is for adults. All children should eat a well balanced diet, and children 6 years and older should get 60 minutes of physical activity each day.