For parents, it can be difficult to know if their child is within a healthy weight range as they see their child’s body evolve. A person’s healthy weight can be determined by their BMI, or body mass index, which measures a person’s height and weight as a single unit.
It is recommended that all children ages 2 and older have their child’s BMI measured at least once every five years. In this guide, we explain how to check child’s BMI and what to do if you discover a problem.
Child’s BMI
BMI measures the amount of fat in your body. Weight and height are taken into account. However, in comparison to adults, measurements based solely on height and weight are less reliable for children. Because children’s body fat percentages alter as they become older. Depending on their age and gender, they have a wide range of body mass indexes.
As a result, instead of hearing a single number, like 25, when medical professionals discuss child’s BMI, you’ll hear a percentile, like the 75th percentile. BMI charts compare a child’s BMI to that of other children of the same age and gender. The Nurturey Pink Book helps you in finding out your child’s BMI. The BMI percentile is calculated in this manner.
Weight categories divide the BMI percentiles:
Underweight – below 5th percentile
Healthy – 5th to 85th percentile
Overweight – 85th to 95th percentile
Obese – 95th percentile or higher
It is reasonable to say that a 6-year-old boy with a BMI in the 75th percentile is overweight in comparison to about 75 percent of all other 6-year-old boys. That’s within the normal range of weight.
Understanding Your Child’s BMI
Many parents assume that their GP would tell them if their child had a BMI that was too high. This isn’t always the case, of course. GPs may not raise the issue of obesity with parents. For this reason, it’s preferable to inquire directly about your child’s BMI percentage.
Some school districts require all students to have their BMIs measured at school. To let parents know whether their children have a weight problem, the school produces a report card. Parents may object to schools providing them with reports of their child’s BMIs, but the goal is not to humiliate anyone. It’s a warning to parents about a major health issue.
Children’s BMI report cards have been shown to be effective in studies conducted in the United Kingdom. In one study, it was observed that nearly half of parents with overweight children implemented healthy lifestyle adjustments after reading the report they had received.
BMI for Children: How Reliable Is It?
The BMI of youngsters, at least those that are overweight, is generally considered a good indicator of body fat by experts. However, it could be misleading in some circumstances. Athletic children, in particular, may be mistaken for obese despite their muscular appearance.
The BMI of your child is an important consideration, but it is by no means the only one to consider. Your child should have a comprehensive weight and lifestyle examination with a paediatrician if a BMI percentile reveals that they are not within a healthy range.
Tips for a healthy BMI percentile
Weight-control experts recommend that children of all ages and weights follow these healthy recommendations.
- Five servings of vegetables and fruits are required for everyone in your family. Even if the youngsters don’t eat them, keep offering them. Seeing a food repeatedly increases the likelihood that they’ll finally eat it. Snacks and meals should be accompanied by a piece of fruit or vegetable.
- Don’t watch more than 2 hours of television per day. People who play video games or utilise computers, for example, get less time on the television set. Also, remove all televisions from the bedrooms.
- Work out for one hour every day. Calculate how many minutes each member of the household is on the move — it should take at least 60 minutes each person. Start with a tiny amount and add more as needed. Aim for at least moderate activity, starting to sweat after around 10 minutes.
- At most, one sugar-sweetened beverage should be consumed per day. Sodas, teas, and coffees, as well as fruit juices like lemonade and fruit punch, can all be sweetened with sugar. Instead, drink water or low-fat milk.
