BMI for Children and Teens | Fitness Clinic | Arkansas Children's Hospital

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Body Mass Index (BMI) is calculated by dividing body weight (lbs.) by height in inches squared (in²) and multiplying that amount by 704.5. The metric calculation for BMI is kg/m².

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-for-Age Percentile Charts

Boys	Girls

A child is considered to be:

1. Normal weight if he or she has a BMI around the 50th percentile for his or her age.

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

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

4. 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: 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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Arkansas Children's Hospital, 1 Children�s Way, Little Rock, AR 72202-3591, (501) 364-1100 or TDD (501) 364-1184

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