Body Mass Index (BMI)
What Is BMI?
BMI stands for Body Mass Index. It is a way of checking to see if your child has a healthy weight. The results of the screening compare your child's height and weight to other children of the same age and sex. The results are given as a "percentile". The percentile shows how a child's BMI compares to others of the same age and sex. In general, the higher the BMI, the more fat there is in the body.
Review more Frequently Asked Questions About Body Mass Index (BMI) Screening.
Your Child's BMI
The formula for and guidelines on children's BMI are different from the formula and guidelines for adults. To calculate your child's BMI, begin by weighing your child on an accurate scale and measuring your child's current height. The CDC provides guidelines on how to weigh and measure your child accurately. Next, do the following steps:
- Convert your child's height to inches.
- Multiply your child's weight by 703.
- Divide this number by your child's height in inches.
- Divide the resulting number by your child's height in inches.
- Use a child's BMI chart to locate the percentile that your child falls into.
Addidionally, you may use the BMI Percentile Calculator for Child and Teen provided on the CDC website.
Read more about Child & Teen BMI on the CDC website.