What is the body mass index for children? How to calculate it correctly

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What is the body mass index for children? How to calculate it correctly
What is the body mass index for children? How to calculate it correctly

Video: What is the body mass index for children? How to calculate it correctly

Video: What is the body mass index for children? How to calculate it correctly
Video: High contrast pic/ changing table - YouTube 2024, November
Anonim

Normal weight is a very important indicator for every person. With this parameter, he will feel as comfortable as possible, there will be no extra load on the heart and other important organs. Unfortunately, at present, not all people can boast of normal weight. That is why a special indicator was developed - the body mass index for children. It allows you to determine the initial stage of obesity or dystrophy in order to avoid further problems.

body mass index for children
body mass index for children

How to correctly calculate BMI yourself

Such an indicator as the body mass index for children, it is enough just to calculate it yourself. To do this, use the Ketele formula.

  • First of all, it is worth measuring the main parameters of the child: height and weight.
  • Next, you need to divide your weight, measured in kilograms, by twice your height, measured in meters.
  • If done correctly, you will get a two-digit numeric value.
body mass index of a child up to a year
body mass index of a child up to a year

For example, you need to determine the body mass index for a child beforeof the year. His height will be equal to 75 centimeters, with a weight of 8 kilograms. Thus, 8 must be divided by 0.56. After simple arithmetic operations, a digital value equal to 14.2 will be obtained. This parameter is the main one by which BMI is determined.

Basic BMI indicators

Basic body mass index for children identified. What to do with him next? It is necessary to compare the obtained digital value with the main indicators and determine under which border the child's weight falls:

body mass index norms in children
body mass index norms in children
  • If the BMI is less than 16, then the child has a significant underweight. If urgent action is not taken, then there will be a risk of developing anorexia.
  • If the result of the calculation is a number up to 18.5, then you should not rejoice ahead of time either. This indicator indicates that the child is also underweight, but this is no longer as dangerous for his body as the previous stage.
  • A child is absolutely he althy if his BMI falls within the range of values from 18.5 to 25.
  • A reading above 25 indicates overweight. The most optimal value from 25 to 30 is a slight fullness, which can cause discomfort. You can eliminate it yourself by observing proper nutrition and a he althy lifestyle. Above 30 is obesity (up to 35 of the first degree, up to 40 of the second degree, above 40 of the third degree). All these stages cause a huge risk for the he alth of the child, you need to contact an experienced specialist and take measures to solve this problem.

For an adult, these figures are slightly different, they have a higher limit. Calculation of body mass index in children under one year old is done in a similar way. However, the limit of normal weight indicators for them is from 13 to 21. In the above example, the number 14, 2 was obtained. This means that the child is he althy.

calculation of body mass index in children
calculation of body mass index in children

The easiest way to calculate

If you have Internet at home, then you can calculate the body mass index for children in just a few minutes. To do this, you need to find any calculator you like online. In the appropriate lines, you must enter the child's age, gender, height and weight. Next, the computer program will automatically calculate the BMI and determine if there is a threat to his he alth.

calculation of body mass index in children
calculation of body mass index in children

What to do if you are overweight or underweight

If, as a result of simple studies, it was revealed that the child's BMI is slightly behind the border, then there is no need to consult a doctor. You can independently change his diet, start doing exercises and lead a he althy lifestyle. If the border noticeably lags behind the norm, then it is necessary to visit a number of specialists. The therapist will offer to pass the necessary tests that will determine if there are any violations in the body, if necessary, he will prescribe the necessary vitamins. The nutritionist will create a proper nutrition schedule. If you are underweight, you will need to focus on the most useful substances, especially protein. With excessweight, it is required to focus on plant foods filled with useful minerals. It is also recommended that you contact a professional trainer who will help you create a proper workout schedule.

Norms for body mass index in children is a very important indicator developed by figures in the field of world medicine. Thanks to them, you can independently identify a he alth problem at an early stage of its development and take measures to eliminate it.

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