Preschooler BMI - Does Your Preschooler Have a Healthy Weight?

Have you wondered whether your preschooler is too heavy for his age or even too skinny? You may have used Body Mass Index (BMI) to see whether your own weight is healthy. This same tool can tell you whether your preschooler’s weight is healthy or increases their health risk. To calculate a preschooler’s BMI, you need accurate height and weight measurements, birth date, and gender.

What is BMI?

BMI is a calculation used to estimate a person’s percent body fat. It is not a direct measurement of body fat, but it is simple to calculate and correlates well with actual body fat measurements.

The CDC and the American Academy of Pediatrics now recommend that BMI be used as a screening tool for children ages 2 and older.

How is BMI Calculated for Preschoolers?

BMI is calculated the same way for preschoolers and children as for adults - using height and weight. But you can't use adult healthy weight guidelines for children. For adults, standard ranges are used to find out if one is considered overweight, obese, or underweight. So, whether you are a 21-year-old male or a 65-year-old female, a BMI of 25 or greater means that you are considered overweight.

A child's BMI number, on the other hand, is compared to other children of the same age and gender. This is necessary because percent body fat changes as little bodies grow and develop. For example, a healthy two-year-old child would be expected to have a different percent body fat than a six-year-old. Also, gender affects BMI in children, unlike adults.

What Does My Preschooler’s BMI Mean?

After your preschooler's BMI is calculated, you'll get a percentile, much like the height and weight percentiles you get at doctor’s visits. The percentile tells how your child's BMI compares to other children of the same age and gender.

Underweight – BMI at less than 5th percentile
Healthy Weight – BMI at 5th – 85th percentile
At Risk of Overweight – BMI at 85th – 95th percentile
Overweight – BMI at 95th percentile or greater

Limitations of BMI

BMI is an estimate of body fat. Your child may be placed in an underweight or overweight category but still have a healthy body fat percent. A doctor can perform more direct measurements of body fat if necessary.

If you are concerned about your preschooler’s weight, talk to your doctor or health practitioner about BMI, diet and exercise.

Calculate Your Preschooler’s BMI

You will need accurate height and weight measurements. You can use measurements from the doctor's office or measure your preschooler at home.

Then go to the CDC BMI Calculator for Children and Teens. You will get a BMI number, percentile, and weight status for your preschooler.

Reference:
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. BMI - Body Mass Index for Child and Teen. http://apps.nccd.cdc.gov/dnpabmi/Calculator.aspx