The Ideal Body Mass Chart For Children

By Author: J.J. Yong
Total Articles: 963
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Back in the days, doctors and pediatricians used to measure a child's growth using the values of weight and height and them comparing them with others of the same age while stating what is normal or otherwise. But now, with much advancement, in comes the body mass chart which measures ones growth based on their Body Mass Index (BMI) which also calculates the values of their height and weight as well. But this chart gives you a more appropriate result about the fat values.

A child's BMI values would then be plotted onto a standard growth graph instead of a general normal grade graph as used by adults because children grow rapidly. In addition to that, there are two different graphs which are used as the growth rate is different for boys and girls. As much as this chart is useful and informative about your child's growth, it isn't accurate as there are many outside factors as well.

Aside from gender, things like age, lifestyle and living environment can effects an individual's BMI too. Also, it is not ideal as children grow very fast and you would notice a great hike in the graph when the child hits puberty.

BMI ...
... percentiles indicate how children' measurements compare with others the same age and gender. For instance, if a kid has a BMI in the 55th percentile, 55% of the children of the same age and gender who were measured had a lower Body Mass Index. Also, children who are at or above the 95th percentile are regarded obese while those who measure at the 85th to 94th percentiles are regarded overweight, because of superfluous body fat or high lean body mass. A kid whose BMI index is between the 5th percentile to 85th percentile is in the healthy weight grade. And a kid with a Body Mass Index below the 5th percentile is regarded underweight.

To sum it up, the body mass chart can help tell if your child is at the right weight and height but it may not be absolutely accurate.
For more facts about childhood obesity including preventing childhood obesity, visit SolvingChildhoodObesity.com.