![]() ![]() Percentiles outside this range can put kids at higher risk for health problems.Ĭhildren below the 5th percentile could have a nutritional shortfall-either not taking in enough calories or burning up more calories than they are getting, or both. Ideally, children should fall in the target ranges between the 5th and 85th percentiles. The BMI percentile-ranges and weight status categories: To find out which category a child is in, pediatricians use both the BMI number and the percentile. What does your child's BMI percentile mean? They may also order lab studies and other tests to check for possible health complications. ![]() If your child or teen is in a group at increased health risk, such as underweight, overweight or obese, your pediatrician may ask more questions about their medical history. Keep in mind, these words do not describe your child. Underweight, healthy weight, overweight and obese are terms used to describe where your child's BMI is on the BMI curve. Your pediatrician will talk with you about how you can develop and support healthy habits at home. The best way to know your child's BMI percentile is to have their pediatrician measure and discuss the results with you. Standardized growth chart for a visual comparison, and to help track growth trends over time. For example, a BMI percentile of 65 means that the child's weight is greater than that of 65% of other children of the same age and sex. children of the same age and sex to determine the BMI percentile. This number is then compared to other U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: There are also BMI calculators available, such as this one from the U.S. Multiply their height (in inches) by itself Your pediatrician will measure your child's height and weight with their shoes and heavy clothes off, and then calculate BMI with this formula: Body-Mass Index FormulaĢ. These measures look at a child's growth in relation to children of the same age and sex to figure out if they are within a healthy weight range. Instead of just using the BMI number as is done with adults, we look at BMI percentiles. We know that children are constantly growing, and do so at different rates. This number helps doctors understand if a person’s weight is in a category such as underweight, overweight or obese that may be putting their health at risk. In simple terms, a person's Body Mass Index or BMI, is a measure of weight in relation to height. But what does it mean, and why is it important to your child's health? Read on for information about how BMI is calculated, what ranges pediatricians like to see in children, and why BMI -while important -can have limitations. ![]() Please seek further advice from your GP.You may hear the term body mass index or "BMI" during your child's checkups, or even at your own health visits. If you're suffering from an eating disorder, the BMI calculator results do not apply. Your can use your BMI result as a starting point for further discussion with your GP about your weight and your general health.įind out more in How your GP can help and check out the Change4Life website for practical tips on staying healthy as a family. However, the BMI is a relatively straightforward and convenient method of assessing someone's weight. adults who lose muscle as they get older may fall in the "healthy weight" range even though they may be carrying excess fat.very muscular adults and athletes may be classed "overweight" or "obese" even though their body fat is low.The adult BMI does not take into account age, gender or muscle mass. The BMI can't tell the difference between excess fat, muscle, or bone. Your BMI can tell you if you're carrying too much weight but it can't tell if you're carrying too much fat. If you're concerned about your child's weight, contact your GP who may be able to refer you to your local healthy lifestyle programme for children, young people and families. Measuring waist size is not routinely advised for children because it doesn't take their height into account. For example, a girl on the 75th centile is heavier than 75 out of 100 other girls her age. Find out more in very overweight childrenĪ child's BMI is expressed as a "centile" to show how their BMI compares to children who took part in national surveys. If you're concerned about your child's weight, see your GP. Get tips on how to encourage your child to be more active and eat well healthy weight: between the 2nd and 91st centiles.underweight: on the 2nd centile or below.The BMI calculator works out if a child or young person is: Obese children are thought to be at increased risk of a variety of health conditions, and they're also more likely to be overweight or obese as adults. For children and young people aged two to 18, the BMI calculator takes into account age and gender as well as height and weight. ![]()
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