Children’s BMI -Understanding Body Mass Index Information for Parents

Your child's weight and height are important indicators of your child's overall growth development. Another important indicator is your child's BMI or body mass index.  Your child's BMI can help determine if your child is at a healthy weight or overweight. Understanding your child's BMI is part of preventing childhood obesity.

 

If you are concerned about your child’s weight, first talk with the pediatrician or dietitian. A BMI-for-age measurement can be used to help determine if your child is at a healthy weight for their age, sex and height.  In fact, a BMI-for-age measurement should be done at your child’s annual physical.