What is BMI? How is it used with children?
Body mass index, or BMI, is a new term to most people. However, it is the measurement of choice for many physicians and researchers studying obesity. BMI uses a mathematical formula that takes into account both a person’s height and weight. BMI equals a person’s weight in kilograms divided by height in meters squared (BMI = kg/m2). For children 2-17, BMI is then plotted against Gender and Age to establish what the BMI-for-age percentile is. This is similar to the way pediatricians plot height and weight. A BMI for age between 85th – 95th percentile is considered ‘at risk’ for overweight and standards recommend focusing on maintaining current weight. This prolonged weight maintenance will allow a gradual decline in BMI -for-age percentile as child grows in height. A BMI for age at the 95th percentile or above would indicate that a safe weight loss plan be implemented.