BMI in children helps assess nutrition so that diet and physical activity can be adjusted, thereby helping children develop in the healthiest way. So how to calculate BMI for preschool children?

To know how to calculate BMI for preschool children so that we can know the health status of the child, let’s find out through the article below.

What is the meaning of BMI?

The child’s BMI, also known as the body mass index, is created to assess whether the child is within a healthy weight range. It shows whether the child’s weight is appropriate for his or her height, helping the child have a balanced body shape and can adjust his or her weight to maintain health. In addition, the child’s BMI can also help determine the risk of weight-related health problems.

BMI is an index showing a person’s physical condition through weight and height.

There are differences between BMI in children and adults. The initial BMI calculation method for children is similar to that for adults, based on height and weight. However, assessing BMI in children is not as simple as that for adults, because children’s BMI changes with age and gender as they grow.

Therefore, children’s BMI is assessed based on age and gender. You need to compare your BMI with the corresponding BMI chart for age and gender. This helps you assess your child’s nutritional status based on the BMI chart for children.

How to calculate BMI for preschool children

Based on the child’s height and weight, there is a formula for calculating BMI:

• BMI calculation formula = Weight (kg) / [(height (m) x height (m)].
  Then, assess the child’s nutritional status based on the BMI percentile growth chart for each age group of the child.

After calculating the BMI index, it is expressed as a percentage that can be compared with the BMI percentile growth chart for each age group.

How to calculate BMI for preschool children

This chart is the most common size and growth model measurement tool used for children and adolescents.

Above is how to calculate BMI for preschool children in particular and children aged 2 to 20 years old, so how does the meaning of BMI reflect the health of children, we will find out in the next section.

Meaning of BMI

When BMI is below 5%, this shows that the child is underweight. The risks for thin, underweight children are susceptible to many diseases such as hypotension, osteoporosis, … because the body does not have enough nutrients, vitamins and minerals necessary for bone development, weakened immune system, susceptible to diseases, especially infections, dry hair and skin.

The best BMI range for children is from 5% to 85% (according to the chart). When there is an ideal BMI, the child’s body is less likely to get sick, is healthier and more active and creative.

When BMI is above 95%, children can be considered overweight. The risks for obese and overweight children are easy to have lipid disorders, coronary artery disease, diabetes or high blood pressure. If fat accumulates in the abdomen, children may have difficulty with respiratory function, have breathing problems while sleeping and are at risk of sleep apnea syndrome, causing lack of oxygen to the brain, causing Pickwick syndrome. Digestive problems such as gallstones (mainly cholesterol stones), liver cancer or abnormal changes in the liver, intestines such as fatty liver, fatty intestine, reduced intestinal function causing bloating, constipation, colon problems, colon cancer can also occur.

How to have a healthy BMI for children

Experts advise that it is important for children of all ages to develop within the weight limit and maintain a stable weight. To ensure this, it is necessary to provide a diet rich in vegetables and fruits every day, even if children do not like to eat vegetables, special attention should be paid. Parents should ensure that each meal of their child includes fruit or vegetables. Daily exercise is also important, at least 1 hour a day should be spent on physical activity and gradually increase the time as needed. Sugary drinks and fast food, fried foods should be avoided, as they can be harmful to the child’s health.

To ensure good health and development for children, it is necessary to establish a balanced diet and ensure adequate nutrition. Lack or excess of nutrients can cause health problems and negatively affect the child’s overall development, including physical, mental and motor.

When children do not eat properly, there is a risk of lacking micronutrients, leading to symptoms such as anorexia, slow growth, and poor absorption. If parents notice these signs, they need to supplement their children with support products containing lysine and micronutrients such as zinc, chromium, selenium, and B vitamins to ensure adequate nutrition. These vitamins also help enhance digestion and nutrient absorption, improve anorexia, and enhance children’s appetite.

Hopefully the information on how to calculate BMI for preschool children above will be useful to readers. Knowing how to calculate BMI for children will help parents easily assess their children’s health status and develop appropriate child care plans.