Body Mass Index (BMI)-For-Age - 2 to 20 years

BMI is used differently with children and teens than it is with adults. BMI-for-age, which is age and gender specific, is used to assess a child or teen's risk of being underweight or overweight. Boy's and girl's body fat change differently over the years as they grow and mature, making it necessary to chart their BMI-for-age. The BMI number is plotted on the gender specific growth chart to get the percentile - this is BMI-for-age.

Find your Body Mass Index-For-Age

Instructions

• Find your Body Mass Index (BMI) using the calculator below.
• Click on a chart below (boy or girl). Download and print the Body Mass Index-for-age Percentile Chart.
• Find your age at the bottom of the chart and put a ruler or a straight edge going up the chart.
• Find your BMI number on the left or right side (which ever is closer to your age line) of the chart and draw a straight line across the page until it hits the age line. Your BMI percentile is the spot where these 2 lines meet (intersect).
• Your number may fall directly on one of the curvy dark percentile lines that run across the chart. If so, look to the right and read the number – 5, 10, 25, 50 85, 90 or 95. That number is your BMI percentile number.
• If your number falls between the lines you will need to decide what your percentile is on the chart. If your mark fell exactly between the 50th and the 75th percentile lines your percentile would be a number between those percents.

BMI Calculator

BMI-for-age Percentile Charts

Boys	Girls

A child is considered to be:

1. Overweight if he or she has a BMI over the 95th percentile for his or her age

2. At risk of becoming overweight if he or she has a BMI between the 85th and 95th percentile for his or her age

3. Underweight if he or she has a BMI under the 5th percentile for his or her age

If the BMI percentile is at or greater than the 90th percentile, you may wish to discuss with your child's primary care physician whether any medical assistance is needed. The doctor in the ACH Fitness Clinic may also be able to help your child or teen in need of weight management. An appointment to Fitness Clinic can be scheduled by calling (501)364-8957.

If the BMI percentile is at or less that the 5th percentile, you may wish to discuss with your child's primary care physician whether any medical assistance is needed. If the doctor would like some assistance from a registered, licensed dietitian with expertise in pediatric nutrition your doctor can refer you to the ACH Nutrition Clinic for help. An appointment to Nutrition Clinic can be scheduled by calling (501) 364-1660.

Important disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and should not be construed as medical advice. It is not meant to replace the advice of the physician who cares for your child.


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