BMI in Kids

[skydivediva]

My nephew has always been slim but I've noticed this summer that he's looking chunky around the abdomen. Our entire family has struggled with overweight/obesity for generations. Is BMI calculated the same way in kids as in adults? Is he overweight and if so, how much?

[Renee Radenberg]

Children are plotted on Growth Charts. From your measurements his weight is on the 90th percentile and his height is on the 95th percentile which indicates he is normal for his age and not overweight. I do not know his weight trend to say that he is heading towards overweight. Recommend increasing his physical activities (play, dance, sports). Limit time in front of the TV or non-active-video games. There have been studies showing the longer the length of time a child sit in front of the TV, the greater the weight gain. Here are some additional ideas: Limit high sugar drinks/snacks, and try replacing with low fat milk/yogurt, fruit, and air popped popcorn, or low-fat cheese. Additional suggestions: cook only low fat meats (chicken, fish, loin of pork) or non-meat sources (soy products, nuts), low fat vegetarian combinations (rice & beans, pasta & beans, low fat cheese & pasta), fat free or low fat dairy products (skim milk, 1% milk, low fat cheese, low fat yogurts, low fat soy milk/yogurt), use plant oils, non trans-fat margarines, and eat a lot of fruits, salads, and vegetables. Eat daily high fiber breads and cereals (oatmeal) and limit ‘junk’ foods. Hoped that helped you.

[skydivediva]

Thank you very much. Have a great day.