According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, body mass index is a factor in helping to determine whether or not a child is overweight for his height and age. More commonly referred to as BMI-for-age, this system of measurement is slightly different than that used for an adult, since it doesn't simply take into account height and weight. It also uses age, sex and percentile in reference to other children of the same age and sex to establish status of weight.
BMI-for-Age
Much like standard BMI measurements, body mass index used for children begins with a simple equation. It takes a child's height in inches and weight in pounds. These two facts are then placed into the following equation:
BMI = (weight x 703) / (height x height)
Once a medical professional has the number, it's essentially plotted on a graph with other children of the same age and sex to determine his percentile. This percentile can help indicate the health of the child's weight.
Percentiles
Unlike standard body mass index measurements, the BMI itself isn't necessarily used as the determining factor. If a child's BMI-for-age is anywhere between the 5th percentile and 84th percentile, he is considered to be a healthy weight, according to the CDC. Less than the 5th percentile is often considered underweight. Overweight is a BMI-for-age in the 85th to 94th percentile. Obesity is anything equal to or greater than the 95th percentile.
Features
Simply falling within a certain body mass index percentile doesn't mean a child is truly underweight, overweight or obese. The CDC considers BMI-for-age a screening tool. Children with higher percentiles would then need further assessment to diagnose a weight disorder. According to the Mayo Clinic, a doctor also factors in medical history, diet, exercise, muscle mass, body frame, growth pattern and other medical tests, such as skinfold thickness measurements. All of these factors are put together to determine whether or not a child is a healthy weight for her age and sex.
Significance
If a child is deemed obese, it can often lead to serious health complications. Though many people consider high blood pressure, high blood cholesterol and liver disease to be adult disorders, they can affect children suffering from childhood obesity. The Mayo Clinic warns that children may also develop type II diabetes, asthma, sleep disorders and skin infections.
Treatment
The type of treatment a child needs is really based on his age. Not all children suffering from childhood obesity should be placed on a diet. If a child is under the age of 7, a weight management program is typically recommended. This means that the current weight is maintained to allow for his height to catch up to this number. As time goes by, his height and weight becomes proportionate to other children of the same age and sex. However, it's important to consult with a physician before having a child use a weight management or weight loss program.
Member Comments