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To make a profound difference in the health and well-being of children and youth around the world, giving them the ability to make good choices with respect to nutrition.   Kidnutrition.org promotes smarter nutritional choices for healthier children through advocacy, education and legislative reform.

 



 

 

Calculate BMI
This is a simple number that corresponds with body fat, derived from an equation based on your child's height and weight.  Calculate BMI using the following formula:

1. Child's weight in pounds  =   (A)

2.  (A)  divided by 2.2 = (B) kilograms.

3.  Child's height in inches: _____ X 2.54, divided by 100 = (C) meters.

4.  Weight in kilograms (B) divided
     by (C)x(C) = ______ BMI

In conjunction with your child's pediatrician, you'll need to ascertain how overweight your child is and what is the risk of his/her becoming an overweight adult. 

Plotting your child's weight and height on a growth chart helps a doctor determine what percentile best describes your child in relation to other children in the same age group.




Ideal body weight corresponds exactly to height percentile. For example, if your child is at the 60th percentile in height, he should be at the 60th percentile for weight. If his height is at the 60th percentile while his weight falls into the 70th percentile, then he is 10 percent above the ideal weight.

Children who weigh 20 percent more than their ideal weight are classified as overweight. Those 40 percent or more above their ideal weight are considered clinically obese. Your doctor will use special charts called Body Mass Index Percentiles to determine overweight or obesity.  Keep in mind that for every inch your child grows, it is normal to gain an average of three to five pounds.