Body Mass Index in Children
Use of Body Mass Index (BMI) and weight classifications specifically for children shows how different children are from adults.
Article By: The Weight Watchers Research Department
BMI-For-Age – Only For Children
BMI for children is referred to as BMI-for-age because weight classifications are different at every age.
1 A child's BMI, derived from height and weight measurements, can be plotted onto a gender-specific BMI-for-age growth chart and compared to standards for the child's age. Evaluation of BMI-for-age is based on "percentile," meaning the percentage of children of the same gender and age whose BMI is lower than that of the reference child. For example, for a child at the 60th percentile for BMI-for-age, 60 percent of children of the same gender and age have a lower BMI.
The BMI-for-age chart helps differentiate between a normal weight gain during growth and excess weight gain. Looks can be deceiving when it comes to weight in children, so healthcare professionals rely on the BMI-for-age chart to guide them. For example, it is not uncommon for infants and toddlers to look "chubby" but have a BMI in the healthy range.
BMI-for-age is not as simple as weight, but it is a more accurate measure of excess body weight. It corresponds well to levels of body fat and can be used to follow body size from childhood through adolescence and into adulthood.
Weight Status Categories
Children can be classified into four different categories based on their BMI-for-age. Children who are at a "healthy weight" have a BMI in the 5th percentile to less than the 85th percentile for children of their age. The BMI of "underweight" children is below the 5th percentile. Two classifications describe children whose BMI is above the healthy weight range – "overweight" and "obese."
"Overweight" refers to children whose BMI-for-age is in the 85th to less than the 95th percentiles. Children in this range are comparable to adults with a BMI of 25 to 29.9. In children, "obesity" corresponds to a BMI-for-age equal to or greater than the 95th percentile1. This is comparable to adults with a BMI of 30 or more.
BMI-for-age is a screening tool for overweight and obesity in children and teens. Additional evaluation of body fat, along with assessment of diet, health, and physical activity can help determine the appropriate course of action.
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1 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. BMI - About BMI for Children and Teens.