Keep driving the next time your kid wants a drive-through meal. Alarming statistics show that one out of three American children is now considered overweight, and the consequences reach far beyond tight-fitting clothes.
Kids who carry around extra weight are at risk for a number of serious health problems. Besides developing unhealthy cholesterol, blood pressure and blood sugar levels, overweight kids’ emotional and social development can be affected as well.
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends periodic measurement of Body Mass Index (BMI) to help keep kids’ weight on track. BMI is a number calculated from your child’s height and weight that provides an estimate of his or her level of body fat. Although it doesn’t measure body fat levels directly, it’s considered a reliable indicator of these levels for children and teens.
Physicians calculate BMI during a child’s yearly wellness checkup, but it’s easy to do yourself right at home. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) provides a child/teen BMI calculator online: https://www.cdc.gov/healthyweight/assessing/bmi/. Simply enter birth date, height, weight and dates the measurements were taken, and you’ll find out whether your child is considered underweight, a healthy weight, overweight or obese.
Vitacost.com also carries a handy tool called the Tonus BMI and Growth Calculator by Sequoia Fitness. This handheld, portable digital calculator computes your child’s BMI, BMI percentiles, and height and weight percentiles. It’s easy to use with only one button with four positions to control all functions and entires.
Remember, BMI is just a screening tool. A heavier child might have a high BMI for his age, but excess fat might not be the problem. Children and adolescents who are prone to be overweight should consult with a physician to assess underlying causes and to plan a course of action.
The CDC suggests practicing healthy weight habits””especially eating healthy foods and encouraging physical activity””right from the start.