Smart Nutrition Active People-Education (SNAP-Ed) in Arkansas
Educational Materials - Display
BMI - Body Mass Index
What is BMI? Body Mass Index (BMI) is a useful screening tool and can be used
to help parents track their children's weight. It's a measure of a person's
weight in relation to their height. BMI is a way to see if a child or teen is
underweight, at normal weight, at risk for overweight or overweight. Healthcare
professionals use these percentiles to see if a child is underweight or
overweight: Underweight= BMI-for-age less than the 5th percentile Normal weight
- BMI-for-age 5th percentile to less than the 85th percentile At risk of
overweight - BMI-for-age 85th percentile to less than the 95th percentile
Overweight - BMI-for-age equals or is greater than the 95th percentile Why are
we concerned? Approximately 26% of Arkansas children two to five years, and 38%
of Arkansas children in grades K-12 are overweight or at risk for overweight.
One of every four overweight preschoolers and half or more of overweight
children and teens will remain overweight as adults. Being overweight or having
a high level of body fat increases the chance of having high blood pressure,
heart disease and diabetes.
What is a growth chart? Growth charts contain a series of curved lines
showing percentiles. Percentiles are based on the percentage of children the
same age and gender (sex) whose weight for height falls into a certain range. A
child's BMI is marked on the chart each year to see if the child is growing
normally. "EXAMPLE: SAM" Name: Sam Weight: 37 lb 4 oz (16.9 kg) Height: 41.5
inches (105 cm) Age: 3.5 years BMI: 15.2 years. Sam's BMI plotted on boy's
BMI-for-age chart Interpretation: Sam's BMI-for-age is slightly below the 25th
percentile, so it falls within normal range. Of 100 boys who are the same age,
fewer than 25 have a BMI-for-age lower than Sam's.
What Can Parents Do? No matter what a child's BMI, here are some tips parents
can use to help their children lead healthier lives. Start the day with a
healthy breakfast like low-sugar cereal, low-fat milk and 100% fruit juice.
Offer plenty of fruits and vegetables. Serve water instead of sweetened drinks
like fruit punch and regular soft drinks. Limit fast foods. Eat meals together.
Limit TV watching to 1-2 hours a day. Serve smaller portions. Be active as a
family. Assign active chores. Be a role model. Show your children that you love
them no matter what their size or shape. Remember...The measurement being done
in schools is just a screening. Several measurements should be taken over time
to show an accurate growth pattern. Consult your doctor for a more precise
assessment. Children's BMI Calculator:
http://www.bcm.edu/cnrc/bodycomp/bmiz2.html.
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