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BMI Chart for Children by Age – Boys and Girls Weight – Kids BMI Calculator

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BMI Chart for Children by Age – Boys and Girls – Kids BMI Calculator.

Average Height and Weight of Boys and Girls by Age

A child’s height and weight are often influenced by genetics, nutrition, and overall health. As parents, understanding how your child is growing can help you ensure they are on a healthy developmental path.

The charts below provide average height and weight measurements for boys and girls at different ages, based on data from the CDC. These measurements are available in both centimeters (cm) and inches (in), as well as kilograms (kg) and pounds (lbs), to give you a clear reference.

Tracking your child’s growth is important, but remember that every child develops at their own pace. If you have any concerns, consulting a pediatrician can help provide guidance and reassurance.

BMI Chart for Children by Age – Understanding Your Child’s Growth.

As parents, it’s helpful to know how your child’s weight compares to healthy growth patterns. The Body Mass Index (BMI) charts on this page below, provide a guideline based on age and helps identify potential concerns about underweight, healthy weight, overweight, or obesity.

What Is BMI?

BMI (Body Mass Index) is a calculation that estimates body fat based on a child’s height and weight. While BMI calculators, like the one from KidsHealth, can help determine your child’s BMI, it’s essential to discuss the results with a pediatrician for proper interpretation.

Tracking BMI

Starting at age 2, pediatricians check BMI during routine checkups. Because children grow at different rates, doctors use gender-specific growth charts to monitor changes over time. These charts help assess whether a child’s growth is on track.

Although BMI is a useful tool, it isn’t a perfect measure of body fat. However, it can indicate if a child is gaining weight too quickly or too slowly, helping parents and doctors make informed decisions about health and nutrition.

Understanding BMI Results.

BMI percentiles compare a child’s weight to others of the same age and gender. For example, a BMI in the 60th percentile means that 60% of children of the same age and gender have a lower BMI. It’s important to remember that BMI does not always distinguish between fat and muscle—some children with larger frames or more muscle mass may have higher BMIs without being overweight.

During puberty, BMI results may be less accurate due to rapid weight and height changes. This is why regular checkups and discussions with a pediatrician are key to understanding whether your child’s growth is on a healthy path.

BMI Categories:

  • Underweight: BMI below the 5th percentile for age, gender, and height.
  • Healthy weight: BMI from the 5th to less than the 85th percentile for age, gender, and height.
  • Overweight: BMI at or above the 85th percentile but below the 95th percentile for age, gender, and height.
  • Obese: BMI at or above the 95th percentile for age, gender, and height.

It’s better to view BMI trends over time rather than focusing on single measurements, which can be misleading.

When is a Child Obese according to the BMI Index?

A child is considered obese according to BMI (Body Mass Index) when their BMI is at or above the 95th percentile for children of the same age and geder. This categorization means that compared to other children in their age group, their BMI is higher than 95% of their peers.

BMI is used as a screening tool, not a diagnostic tool, and while it provides a quick measure of body fat based on height and weight, it doesn’t directly measure body fat percentage. Therefore, a high BMI can indicate high levels of body fat but could also be a result of high muscle mass or large body frame. This is why further assessments by a healthcare provider may be necessary to determine if excess fat is a health risk.

BMI Chart for Children by Age – Boys.

Please have a look at this BMI chart for kids by age, for boys, to understand normal BMI ranges for children at each age. Pay special attention to the 90th and 95th percentile to determine if your child is considered obese. Every BMI value coloured in green colours is above the 95th percentile and therefore considered in the obese range.

BMI Chart for children by Age percentiles BOYS

What to do if my Child is Obese (per BMI)?

If your child is categorized as obese based on their Body Mass Index (BMI), here are some practical steps you can take to help them achieve a healthier weight:

  1. Consult a Pediatrician: It’s important to start with a medical evaluation. A pediatrician can confirm the BMI calculations, evaluate your child’s overall health, and check for any possible medical reasons for the obesity.
  2. Develop a Plan with a Dietitian: A registered dietitian can help create a balanced eating plan tailored to your child’s nutritional needs. This plan will focus on whole, minimally processed foods, and will consider the appropriate caloric intake for weight management and growth.
  3. Increase Physical Activity: Encourage activities that are enjoyable and age-appropriate. The goal is to get at least 60 minutes of physical activity each day, which can include play, sports, or simply walking or biking.
  4. Educate on Healthy Choices: Teach your child about nutrition and the benefits of eating fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains. Encourage them to make healthy choices and involve them in meal planning and preparation. Simple choices, like changing from full sugar cola to diet cola, or fruit juices without added sugar can make a big difference in daily calorie consumption. Also, consider replacing calorie snacks with low-calorie snacks, such as bananas, apple, cherry or grape tomatoes or even non-sweetened popcorn.
  5. Set Realistic Goals: Set achievable and realistic weight management goals with your healthcare provider. It’s important that goals are supportive and not punitive.
  6. Limit Screen Time: Reducing time spent on sedentary activities like watching TV or playing video games can help. Encourage more active pastimes.
  7. Create a Supportive Environment: Everyone in the household should adopt healthier eating habits and activity levels to support the child’s health goals.
  8. Monitor Progress: Regular follow-ups with healthcare providers can help monitor your child’s progress and adjust the plan as needed.
  9. Medication: As a last resort, though Ozempic is not approved for use in pediatrics, Wegovy was recently approved by the FDA in 2022 as a weight loss treatment for children ages 12 and older.

Addressing childhood obesity is about gradual changes leading to sustainable health improvements. It’s crucial to approach the situation with understanding and support to encourage a positive mindset towards health and self-care in your child.

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