Normal weight is a very important indicator foreach person. With this parameter, he will feel as comfortable as possible, there will not be an unnecessary burden on the heart and other important organs. Unfortunately, at present not all people can boast of normal weight. That's 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.
How to calculate BMI yourself
This indicator, like the body mass index for children, is simple enough to calculate independently. To do this, use the Ketele formula.
- The first step is to measure the basic parameters of the child: height and weight.
- Further, it will be necessary to divide the weight index, measured in kilograms, by twice the growth rate measured in meters.
- If everything is done correctly, you will get a two-digit numerical value.
For example, you need to determine the body mass index forchild up to a year. His height will be 75 centimeters, with a weight of 8 kilograms. Thus, 8 should be divided into 0.56. After simple arithmetic operations, a digital value of 14.2 will be obtained. This parameter is the main one by which BMI is determined.
Main indicators of BMI
The main indicator of body mass index for childrenrevealed. What to do with it next? It is necessary to compare the obtained digital value with the main indicators and determine under which limit the child’s weight falls:
- If the BMI is less than 16, it means that the child has a significant shortage of weight. If urgent measures are not taken, there will be a risk of anorexia.
- If the result of the calculation is a number to18.5, then rejoice ahead of time is also not worth it. This indicator suggests that the child is also underweight, but it is not as dangerous for his body as the previous stage.
- An absolutely healthy child is if his BMI falls within the range of values from 18.5 to 25.
- Показатели, превышающие отметку 25, говорят об overweight. The most optimal value from 25 to 30 is light fullness, which can cause discomfort. You can eliminate it yourself, observing proper nutrition and a healthy lifestyle. Above 30 is obesity (up to 35 first degree, up to 40 second degree, above 40 third degree). All these stages cause a huge risk to the health of the child, you need to contact an experienced specialist and take measures to solve this problem.
For an adult, these figures are a bitdifferent, they have a higher border. The calculation of body mass index in children under one year is made similarly. However, the limit of normal weight for them is from 13 to 21. In the example above, the number 14.2 was obtained. This means that the baby is healthy.
The easiest way to calculate
If there is internet at home, then calculate the indexBody weight for children is possible in just a few minutes. To do this, you need to find any calculator you like online. Enter the child’s age, gender, height and weight in the appropriate lines. Further, the computer program will independently calculate the BMI index and determine if there is a threat to its health.
What to do if overweight or underweight is identified
If as a result of simple research wasfound that the baby's BMI is a little behind the border, there is no need to consult a doctor. You can independently change his diet, start doing exercises and lead a healthy lifestyle. If the border is noticeably behind the norm, then you need to visit a number of specialists. The therapist will offer to pass the necessary tests that will determine whether there are any irregularities in the body, if necessary, he will prescribe the necessary vitamins. A nutritionist will create a proper nutrition schedule. If you are underweight, you need to focus on the most useful substances, especially protein. When overweight is required to focus on plant foods, filled with useful minerals. It is also recommended to contact a professional trainer who will help you create a schedule for proper training.
The norms of body mass index in children are veryan important indicator developed by figures in the field of world medicine. Thanks to them, you can independently identify the problem associated with health at an early stage of its development and take measures to eliminate it.
