The body mass index or BMI is a calculation that can be used to screen your kids for the risk of developing obesity. According to PubMed Health you should start screening your child's BMI at the age of two. The body mass index for kids is based on a growth chart that compares their height and weight for their age and it is used up to the age of 19.
How BMI Is Calculated
To calculate your child's BMI score, measure their height and weight. Take the weight measurement in pounds and multiply it by 703. Then divide this number by the height measurement in inches. This number is then divided a second time by the height measurement in inches. The answer to this calculation is the BMI score, which is then plotted with the age on the BMI-for-age growth chart.
Ideal BMI
Once the body mass index calculation has been performed, plot your child's score on the BMI-for-age growth chart. There are separate charts for boys and for girls. The chart places your child's age on the horizontal axis and your child's BMI score on the vertical axis. Once both are plotted, you then find the spot on the chart where the two points intersect to determine the BMI category. There are four BMI categories and each as a percentile associated with it. The ideal BMI is a score that falls into the fifth percentile to less than the 85th percentile. This range is considered a healthy weight. If your child scores below the fifth percentile, they are considered underweight. A score above the 85th percentile and up to the 95th percentile is considered overweight and anything equal to or above the 95th percentile is categorized as obese.
Decreased Risk
A healthy BMI score indicates that your child is not at risk for developing obesity. Obesity is a condition where the body has too much body fat and it is associated with chronic illness. Obesity takes time to develop and is related to a lack of physical activity, a poor diet and genetics. If your child becomes obese, they are more likely to develop high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, heart disease and cancer when they are older.
Considerations
Body mass index is an indirect way to measure body composition and it should be performed yearly for children aged 2 through 19. If your child maintains a good BMI score, they are more likely to stay healthy. If they begin to develop a high BMI score, you need to work with your doctor or a dietitian to help you plan a healthier meal and exercise plan to prevent health challenges and chronic disease in the future.
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