By Ganda Putra
You may have used a BMI calculator (Body Mass Index) for yourself in the past. It can help you determine your ration of lean tissue to fat. This knowledge helps your determine your need to diet, exercise, and adjust your lifestyle. Is a child BMI calculator useful for children, too?
The Confusing Tale of the Child BMI Calculator
The child BMI calculator is a great starting point in evaluating your child’s weight. It can help you determine if they are overweight or underweight, but there is minor problem. Children have a tendency to get heavier just prior to having a growth spurt and then may be thin after their rapid growth. If you calculate their BMI at a time just prior to a growth spurt you may get a slightly high BMI which is about to dramatically change.
Overall using the BMI calculator is still a good idea. It gives you a great approximation of your child’s current health in regards to their weight. Make sure you are very accurate in entering all data. A child BMI calculator normally requires you enter the following information:
- Age – Should be entered to the nearest month of age. Example: 9 years, 2 months.
- Height – Do not guess. Measure your child’s height for the best accuracy.
- Weight – Do not base your entry on memory. Get your child’s height and weight as it is right now.
- Gender – Boys and girls have different muscles mass which affect the calculations.
One you have entered all the data the BMI calculator for children will return a percentile ranking for your child.
How to Interpret Your Child’s BMI Results
The percentile calculated by the Child BMI calculator indicates where your child is in comparison to other children of the same age, height, and weight. The percentile figures give you these indications:
- 5 Percentile or less – You child is underweight.
- 5 Percentile to 85 Percentile – Within the normal range of most children.
- 85 to 95 Percentile – At this level your child is considered overweight.
- 95 Percentile and above – The BMI child calculator indicates your child is obese.
There is only one category you should be happy to see your child fall within, the normal range of 5 to 85 percentile.
What Is the Next Step If Your Child is Outside of Normal Ranges?
If the child BMI calculator indicates your child is underweight, overweight, or obese, you next call should be to their pediatrician. It is time to have brief examination and discussion. Your pediatrician can advise whether you need to start a program of supplementation for an underweight child. This could be in the form of supplement drinks, vitamins, or other recommended food items.
For an overweight or obese child the pediatrician will likely recommend changing the child’s diet. This will include reducing foods high in fat and sugars. Expect your child to complain. The second thing your pediatrician will recommend is exercise. It is time to turn off the TV, take away the game consoles, and get them outdoors for some physical activity.
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You can continue to use the child BMI calculator once a month to track your child’s progress. Remember to adjust the age, height, and weight each time.