Obesity in adults and children is literally a growing problem in the United States. Even in children, excess body fat can lead to complications such as diabetes, hypertension, sleep apnea and orthopedic abnormalities. Body mass index (BMI) is a number that shows body weight adjusted for height. It is a tool to assess if your child is underweight, overweight, or at risk of becoming overweight. BMI is calculated for children aged 2 - 20 at well child visits. The BMI value is then plotted on a gender specific curve to show a percentile.
The value of your child’s percentile can be interpreted as follows:
< 5 % underweight
5% to < 85% normal weight
85% to 95% at risk for overweight
>95% overweight
If your child is in the 85% to 95%, your health care provider may just encourage healthy habits (as with all children). This includes attention to portion sizes, healthy choices regarding food, and limiting sedentary activities. Children and adolescents should exercise about 60 minutes a day. This doesn’t have to be all at once. For example, physical education could count for 40 minutes, and a walk around the block or playing basketball could account for the remaining 20 minutes. Screen time should also be limited to 1 or 2 hours a day. Screen time includes TV time, video games, and recreational computer use. Children will often find something active to do if screen time is limited.
If you child is in the >95%, maintaining the current weight is sometimes emphasized over weight loss, as most children are still growing taller. If weight loss is indicated (for some children and adolescents >95%), this should be very gradual, with small lifestyle changes. Family involvement is essential.
If your child’s BMI is >85%, lab work to screen for diabetes and heart disease may be recommended. A follow-up office visit should be scheduled with one of the nurse practitioners to discuss lab results and further ways to become healthier.
We realize that weight is a sensitive issue for many people. If you prefer that we speak to you in private regarding your child’s weight, please let us know. Please contact our office for additional information.
Helpful Links
www.cdc.gov/nccdphp/dnpa/bmi/index.htm
www.bam.gov
www.cdc.gov/youthcampaign
www.foodpyramid.gov
