To check whether a child’s weight corresponds to his height and age, doctors use a formula called Body Mass Index or BMI-for-Age.
How BMI-for-Age for kids work
BMI-for-Age is measured by getting the height and weight measurements of children and using that information to compare a child’s physical growth with other children of the same age. Experts recommend that children be assessed on their BMI-for-Age to screen whether they’re overweight, underweight or within the healthy weight range.
Calculating the BMI-for-Age can be tricky on your own. Good thing there are several available online BMI-for-Age checkers you can try, such as apps.facebook.com/bmicheckerforkids. Simply input the accurate height and weight measurements of your child, as well as his age and gender and you can get their BMI-for-Age score.
While parents can calculate their children’s BMI-for-Age, it’s still recommended to consult your pediatrician to ensure accuracy of results.
A healthy BMI-for-Age is an indication that a child is not at risk of being overweight, which may bring a host of chronic illnesses later in life for these children. These can be prevented, provided that children are checked regularly and their BMI-for-Age is taken with accuracy.
However, the BMI-for-Age should not be taken as a diagnostic tool. If a child’s BMI-for-Age is not within the normal range, further assessment by your pediatrician will help determine the best solution to help your child achieve healthier fitness.
http://kidshealth.org/kid/grow/body_stuff/bmi.html
http://health.howstuffworks.com/wellness/diet-fitness/weight-loss/bmi2.htm
http://www.livestrong.com/article/428044-what-is-a-good-bmi-for-kids/
http://health.kaboose.com/kids-weight/weight-gain-2.html
