Childhood obesity is reaching epidemic proportions among youth in the United States, affecting approximately 17 percent of all children and adolescents. In addition to the social stigma attached to the extra pounds, obese children are at risk for serious health problems, including diabetes and heart disease. One tool used to screen children for weight problems is called body mass index or BMI. BMI is an estimate of the child's percent body fat. A high BMI may signal the physician to recommend changes in a child's diet and activity level to improve the child's health. However, BMI is only one consideration among many when evaluating pediatric health and wellness.
Body Mass Index
BMI is a calculation made with a child's height and weight that is used to estimate their body fat. BMI is one of several tools that is used to form an overall picture of a child's health. Although a high BMI is not necessarily a cause for alarm, it may signal the need to evaluate your child's fitness and diet.
Calculation
The standard BMI equation is used to calculate the BMI of children older than 2 years old. The equation is weight in pounds divided by height in inches divided again by height in inches times 703. The metric equation is weight in kilograms divided by height in meters divided again by height in meters. The child's individual BMI value is then compared with the BMIs of children the same height and age using a growth chart.
Growth Charts
Growth charts show BMI values in terms of percentiles. For instance, a 3-year-old child who is 39.5 inches tall and weighs 41 pounds has a BMI value of 18.5. When plotted on a growth chart, the child falls into the 97th percentile for his age and gender. This means that the child is heavier than 97 percent of his peers and is classified as obese. According to the AMA Expert Committee Recommendations on the Assessment, Prevention, and Treatment of Child and Adolescent Overweight and Obesity, a child who falls below the 5th percentile is underweight. Children who fall between the 5th and 84th percentiles are a healthy weight. Children above the 85th percentile are considered overweight, and those above the 95th percentile are classified as obese.
Prevention
The best way to prevent overweight and obesity problems in children is to model a healthy lifestyle. Make sure your child sees you eating fresh fruits and vegetables and making physical fitness a priority in your everyday life. Fitness doesn't have to be structured -- spend time at the park together playing tag and climbing the jungle gym. Invite your child to help you in the kitchen. Children are more likely to eat healthy foods if they are a part of the preparation process. If you are concerned about your child's weight, consult his pediatrician and develop a plan to improve your child's health. Dieting is generally not recommended for minors because it may encourage unhealthy habits in the future.
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