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BMI in Overweight Boys

Obesity is a major health problem for American children; at the time of publication, one in three children in the United States is either overweight or obese according to the American Heart Association. Body mass index is a measurement that estimates body fat. BMI can be used to determine if a boy is overweight, though it has to be interpreted carefully in children because their bodies are still developing.

  1. Body Mass Index Calculation

    • To calculate a child's body mass index, you will need accurate measurements of both his weight in pounds and his height in inches. The formula for BMI is: 703 x (weight in pounds)/(36 x 36). So, if your boy weighs 50 pounds and has a height of 36 inches, his BMI would be 703 x 50/(36 x 36) or 27.1.

    Classifying Body Mass Index

    • For a boy, the actual BMI number is not as important as how the boy compares to other boys his age. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, there are four different categories a boy's BMI can be placed into. If a boy's BMI is between the fifth and 85th percentiles of his same-aged peers, he is considered to be at a healthy weight. Boys between the 85th and 95th percentiles are considered overweight, and a boy above the 95th percentile is obese. Children below the fifth percentile are classified as underweight.

    Treatment

    • For overweight boys, losing some excess body weight is one of the most important things they can do for their health. Being overweight or obese increases the risk of high blood pressure, diabetes and high cholesterol. However, putting a boy on a strict diet can be detrimental to his development. For boys under the age of 10, the goal should be to maintain the child's weight, not lose weight, as over time he will "grow into" his weight. Boys over the age of 10 may benefit from mild weight loss, but a pediatrician should always be consulted before starting a child on a weight loss program.

    Approaches

    • There are many ways to help an overweight boy lose weight. Emphasizing fresh fruits and vegetables is one way to promote healthy eating habits during childhood. Parents should also limit the consumption of sugary beverages, including soda and even pure fruit juice. Encouraging physical activity throughout the day can also help boys burn calories. Getting the whole family on board with a healthier lifestyle is also key, as it will make it easier for an overweight boy to adopt a healthier lifestyle if his parents are siblings are also making a commitment.

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