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Texas Children's Pediatric
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Body mass index (BMI) is a single number that evaluates an
individual’s weight status in relation to his or her height. BMI
generally is used as the first indicator in assessing body fat and
has been the most common method of tracking weight problems and
obesity among adults. Although this is an effective screening tool
for children and adolescents, it is important to remember that it is
not a diagnostic tool.
BMI provides a guideline based on
weight and height to determine weight issues. As children grow,
their body fat changes. BMI decreases during the preschool years,
then increases as the child grows older. This pattern is shown
better on the BMI-for-age charts. BMI-for-age charts are recommended
to assess weight in relation to stature for older children (2 years
to 20 years).
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BMI-for-age can be used for
adolescents beyond puberty.
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BMI in children and adolescents
compares well to laboratory measures of body fat and
weight-for-stature measurements.
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BMI is related to health risk, such
as cardiovascular disease, hyperlipidemia, elevated insulin, and
increased blood pressure.
- BMI makes it easier to track
childhood obesity into adulthood.
Two methods are used to calculate BMI –
the metric formula and the English formula. Both provide the same
information, and neither is more accurate than the other.
Metric Formula
BMI = Weight in kilograms / [Height in meters] x 2
or
BMI = [Weight in kilograms / Height in cm / Height in cm] x 10,000
English Formula
BMI = [Weight in pounds / Height in inches / Height in inches] x 703
The guidelines for interpreting BMI are
listed below. It is critical that accurate measurements are
obtained. It is common for caregivers to be concerned about their
child’s weight and where he or she is on the growth chart.
For additional information, visit
http://www.keepkidshealthy.com/welcome/bmicalculator.html
  
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