Body Mass Index (BMI) is a weight indicator based on height and weight. It
is applied to assess the body weight of both children and adolescents as well
as adult men and women.
BMI is a medical evaluation indicator that is designed to calculate if our weight is healthy in relation to our height. We calculate it by dividing our weight in kilograms to the square of our height in meters. So, for example:
• If a person's weight is 57 kg and its height is 1.62 m, the calculation will be as follows:
57 ÷ (1.62 x 1.62) = 21.7
• Consequently, the BMI will be 21.7, which belongs to the normal range of weight evaluation.
Below, you can see the classification that has been accepted by the World Health Organization (WHO) for the Body Mass Index (BMI) for adults over 18.
• Under 18.5 - Underweight
• Between 18.5 and 24.9 - Normal weight
• Between 25 and 29.9 - Overweight
• Between 30 and 39.9 - Obese
In general, we want to have a body weight that is within the normal BMI values (18.5-24.99 kg/sq.m.), that is, to have a healthy weight. Of course, we must emphasize that in order for our weight to be healthy we must have a healthy fat percentage. Unfortunately, with BMI, we cannot assess body composition (muscle mass, fat mass). For this reason the limits on the normal weight of an athlete or a man with a high muscle mass are more flexible. Restriction in our BMI weight assessment also occurs when a person has a normal weight, therefore a normal BMI but has a high fat percentage for his weight (usually seen in women)!
If your child is overweight or obese do not try to make it lose the kg immediately to become normal. All children are normal but they just coming in different sizes! Overweight children should not be on a diet or lose weight unless there is a serious medical reason. Obese children are recommended through a very carefully structured diet and physical activity, to lose up to 0.5 kg per month. If your child is overweight or obese, what you need to do is give him plenty of opportunities to play and emphasize on improving his eating habits!