Appropriate calories?

[MomEsq]

My daughter is 31 inches and 45 pounds -- BMI in the overweight category.  I know at age 4 she should not be on a diet, but am curious as to how many calories she needs to achieve a normal BMI over time?

Thank you

[Renee Radenberg]

Her weight is on the 90th percentile; however, her height is below the 3rd percentile for her age. She has a very small stature so in turn her weight appears very high.  Her needs increase as she grows and then levels off after she stops growing (after 18 years old). For a 4-6 year old they need approximately 1700-1800 calories a day. If you are concerned about her weight then it is recommended to increase children's physical activities. Have your child go do running, walking, sports, and etc. Limit time in front of the TV or non-active-video / computer 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. Suggest you do limit high sugar drinks/snacks and replace with low-fat milk/yogurt or fresh fruit/air-popped popcorn/low-fat cheese. High sugar drink and snacks do not give the child nutrients they need. Eat 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), Low fat dairy or substitute dairy products (1 or 2% milk, low fat or non-fat yogurt, low fat soy milk/soy yogurt), use plant oils, non trans-fat margarines, and eat a lot of fruits and vegetables. Eat daily high fiber breads and cereals (oatmeal).

[MomEsq]

Thank you! 90% -- that's better than I thought.  I am sorry, I mis-typed her height.  She is actually 41 inches tall -- I think that is around 90% as well, correct?  Are your other recommendations still the same?  Any advice regarding her eating habits -- she would eat as much as I allowed her unfortunately.  She eats her meals very quickly and will sometimes sneak snacks.

Thanks in advance.

[Renee Radenberg]

Her height is between 75-50th percentile. So she is normal for her weight and height. She is not overweight. She still needs 1700-1800 calories per day to grow. Increasing her physical activities would not harm her and having healthier snacks would be much better.

[MomEsq]

So, the BMI calculator indicating that she is over-weight is incorrect?  I am just wanting to make sure she is at a healthy weight.

Here's the link.

http://pediatrics.about.com/cs/usefultools/l/bl_bmi_results.htm?test=1&gender=2&age=4&months=4&cwt=45&chf=3&chi=5

Thank you in advance.

[Renee Radenberg]

When a child's weight and height are within the growth charts, they are consisted normal. Your daughter's weight is at the 90th percentile (near the top of the growth chart) with a lower height so the BMI may indicate an overweight child when she really is not. You should be concerned if her weight goes above the 95th percentile (‘off the growth chart’). Right now she is fine as long as she is growing at a steady rate.  Try to increase her physical activities, which will be healthy for her regardless of her weight.

[MomEsq]

Thank you!