Pediatric Bmi

Your body mass index (BMI) is a quick way to find out if your weight is on track for your height.

Your BMI is very simple to calculate, but should be used as a guide for healthy weight only. Because muscle weighs more than fat, weight and BMI are not the only determining your level of health.

The formula for BMI

To calculate your BMI, simply follow the steps below. Everything you need for yourself, your exact size, scale and a calculator.

First, weigh yourself. If you weigh normally once during the day at some point you'll make things a little differently this time. You need to weigh yourself in the morning before eating or drinking (because liquids and food can affect your body weight.) Weigh yourself three times and then take an average of these weights to obtain an accurate figure.

Then you must convert your height in inches, then this figure. For example, if you are 5'5 "your height in inches is 65 inches. Square that number (65x65), then divide your weight in pounds by that figure. If you are 5 feet, 5 inches and weighs 165 pounds, your number would be 0.03905 ending.

The next step is to consider the number and multiply it by 703 (see why you need a calculator!) This step will convert the pounds and inches in the metric system. In our example, .03905 multiplied by 703 is 27.45. This figure is your BMI and it falls into one of four categories: underweight, normal range, overweight or obese. Underweight is 18.5 and below 18.5 and 24.9 is normal, 25.0 to 29.9 is overweight and 30 and over is obese.

BMI for children and adolescents

All adults over 20 years can use the BMI ranges above. BMI for children and adolescents is calculated in the same way it is for adults, but the values are not classified in the same way. Instead of tables with clearly defined values for overweight and underweight children are compared with other children of similar age and sex.

If the BMI-for-age below the 5th percentile of the child is underweight if the BMI-for-age is between the 85th and 95th percentile, the child is at risk of becoming obese if the BMI-for-age in the 95th percentile, the child is classified as overweight.

Here is a BMI calculator for children and adolescents who will determine the BMI and BMI percentile of the child: (http://pediatrics.about.com/cs/usefultools/l/bl_bmi_calc. htm format).

Keep in mind that BMI is a screening tool that is used by doctors and health professionals to categorize your weight. There may be other factors that contribute to your number of high and low that have nothing to do with your body weight as a long-term illness that produces an underweight BMI and lots of muscle mass that produces a BMI.

After determining your BMI, you should check with your doctor if you are outside the normal. Your doctor can provide solutions to help you gain or lose weight if necessary. You should not undergo a weight loss or weight gain program without first consulting your doctor, who can provide additional testing and dietary advice to help you achieve your goals.