BMI: Children
BODY MASS INDEX (BMI) and BMI PERCENTILES
Calculating BMI is one of the best methods for population assessment of
overweight and obesity. It is a useful screening tool to identify possible weight
categories that may lead to health problems. The CDC specifies the same formula for
children as adults. But because body fat changes with age and is different for boys
and girls, a BMI percentile is generated to know where your child’s results are
relative to the general population and norms.
Percentiles are the most commonly used indicator to assess the size and growth patterns of
individual children in the United States. The percentile indicates the relative position of the
child’s BMI number among children of the same sex and age. Percentile lets you know for
every 100 children, where your child relates. For example, if your child is in the 60th
percentile of weight, then he or she is in a group where 60 of every 100 children weigh
equal to or less than yours. The 50th percentile means that half of the children would
weigh more (50%) and half would weigh less, or that your child is of average weight.
Also, since healthy weight changes for every month of age differently for boys and girls,
and healthy weight changes as height increases, just knowing BMI is not enough. Likewise
healthy BMI results change for boys and girls as they age. That is why you need to know
your child’s BMI percentile.
Once you enter your child's measurements, Tonus PE BMI and Growth Calculator will
calculate your child's BMI, BMI percentile, and height and weight percentiles for you.
Calculating BMI is one of the best methods for population assessment of
overweight and obesity. It is a useful screening tool to identify possible weight
categories that may lead to health problems. The CDC specifies the same formula for
children as adults. But because body fat changes with age and is different for boys
and girls, a BMI percentile is generated to know where your child’s results are
relative to the general population and norms.
Percentiles are the most commonly used indicator to assess the size and growth patterns of
individual children in the United States. The percentile indicates the relative position of the
child’s BMI number among children of the same sex and age. Percentile lets you know for
every 100 children, where your child relates. For example, if your child is in the 60th
percentile of weight, then he or she is in a group where 60 of every 100 children weigh
equal to or less than yours. The 50th percentile means that half of the children would
weigh more (50%) and half would weigh less, or that your child is of average weight.
Also, since healthy weight changes for every month of age differently for boys and girls,
and healthy weight changes as height increases, just knowing BMI is not enough. Likewise
healthy BMI results change for boys and girls as they age. That is why you need to know
your child’s BMI percentile.
Once you enter your child's measurements, Tonus PE BMI and Growth Calculator will
calculate your child's BMI, BMI percentile, and height and weight percentiles for you.
The following growth chart contains the published and accepted
BMI percentiles and weight status categories from the CDC:
BMI percentiles and weight status categories from the CDC:
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