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Motherhood Chaitanya Hospital

Measure, Manage, Thrive: Chart Your Child's Wellness with BMI

At Motherhood Chaitanya Hospital, we prioritize the health and well-being of your child. Our expert medical professionals utilize the latest standards to provide accurate assessments using the BMI calculator for kids.

Importance of Tracking BMI in Children

The categories that describe a child's weight are:

BMI percentiles indicate how a child's measurements compare with others of the same gender and age. It is not a direct indicator of body fat. A high BMI in children may be due to a large frame or significant muscle mass, rather than excess fat. Conversely, a child with a small frame may have a normal BMI but still possess an elevated level of body fat.

Weight categories for individuals are classified into four types: Underweight, Healthy Weight, Overweight, and Obese.

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Underweight

BMI is below the 5th percentile age, gender, and height. It's crucial to consult with an expert.

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Healthy weight

BMI is equal to or greater than the 5th percentile and less than the 85th percentile for age, gender, and height.

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Overweight

BMI is at or above the 85th percentile but less than the 95th percentile for age, gender, and height.

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Obese

BMI at or above the 95th percentile indicates excess weight requiring proactive health measures.

Body Mass Index (BMI) Calculator for Children

Children's body fat changes with age, and teenage girls typically have more body fat than boys. BMI for children uses the same formula as adults, but the result is plotted on gender-specific BMI-for-age charts.

Child’s Gender
Child’s Age
Child Height
Child Weight

Result

Tips to Support Healthy Routines for Children and Teens

Ensuring lifelong well-being for children and teens starts with cultivating healthy habits. Healthy eating, staying physically active, getting enough sleep, and limiting screen time are essential components in their journey towards optimal health and academic success.

Adequate Sleep: Children and teens require more sleep than adults, with recommended amounts varying by age. Insufficient sleep is linked to obesity due to increased food intake and decreased physical activity. Establishing healthy sleep habits is crucial for their overall well-being.

Reducing Screen Time: Excessive screen time among young individuals is associated with poor sleep quality, weight gain, diminished academic performance, and compromised mental health. Limiting screen time allows for more engaging activities and promotes healthier lifestyles.

Balanced Diet: Emphasize the importance of consuming ample vegetables, fruits, whole grains, lean proteins, and low-fat dairy products. Encourage water consumption over sugary beverages and limit intake of added sugars and saturated fats.

Regular Physical Activity: Engaging in physical activity offers numerous health benefits, including strengthened bones and muscles, reduced risk of chronic diseases, improved mental health, and enhanced academic performance. Children aged 3 to 5 should stay active throughout the day, while those aged 6 to 17 should aim for at least 60 minutes of physical activity daily.

Supporting Your Child's Active Lifestyle

  • Incorporate physical activity into your family's daily routine by participating in active outings or games together.
  • Encourage children and teens to discover enjoyable physical activities they can pursue independently or with peers and family members.
  • Provide access to spaces where they can engage in physical activities, such as parks, playgrounds, or community sports facilities.
  • Support participation in school or community-based physical activity and sports programs to further promote an active lifestyle.

Remember, small changes made consistently can lead to significant improvements in your child's overall health and well-being. By setting a positive example and actively supporting healthy habits, we can empower our children to thrive both physically and academically.

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What is BMI?

Body Mass Index (BMI)is a measurement used to assess whether a child's weight is healthy for their height. It is calculated by dividing their weight in kilograms by the square of their height in meters (kg/m²). Monitoring BMI provides valuable insights into a child's overall health and can help identify potential weight-related issues early on.

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How does this BMI calculator work?

This calculator uses a standard formula to calculate your child's BMI based on their age, gender, height, and weight. It then compares their BMI to the World Health Organization (WHO) child growth standards to determine their BMI percentile.

Tracking your child's BMI can help you:

  • Monitor their growth and development: Regular BMI tracking allows you to see how your child's weight is changing over time and identify any potential problems early on.
  • Make informed decisions about your child's diet and physical activity: Understanding your child's BMI can help you make informed decisions about their diet and physical activity to maintain a healthy weight.
  • Promote healthy habits: Talking to your child about their BMI and helping them understand the importance of a healthy weight can encourage them to develop lifelong healthy habits.

Motherhood Chaitanya Hospital aims to provide comprehensive care and support for your child's health journey. If you have any concerns about your child's growth or BMI, our team of experts at Motherhood Chaitanya Hospital is here to guide you.

These BMI ranges are based on extensive research and data on child growth and development. They are designed to identify children who are at risk for health problems related to their weight, such as:

  • Underweight: Children who are underweight may be at risk for nutrient deficiencies, developmental delays, and weakened immunity.
  • Overweight and obesity: Children who are overweight or obese are at risk for a variety of health problems, including type 2 diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, and certain types of cancer.

When to consult an expert at Motherhood Chaitanya Hospital

If your child's BMI falls outside the healthy range, it is important to consult a doctor or registered dietitian. They can help you determine if your child's weight is a cause for concern and develop a plan to address it if necessary.

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