The body mass index (BMI) characterizes the relative proportion between your child’s weight and height.
The BMI is calculated from the weight and square of the height as follows:
BMI = body weight (kg) ÷ height (meters) squared
For kids this information is put on a percentage graph, which compares your child’s BMI against the norms of children the same age, sex and height. We then use this information as a way to define the degree of either excess or under weight.
Children with a BMI of:
0% to 15% are considered underweight
15% to 25% at risk for being underweight
25% to 85% are a healthy weight
85% to 95% are overweight
95% and above obese
