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What Is Normal Weight for Kids?

Kids come in all sizes and shapes--short and stocky, tall and lanky, and everything in between. Although we know that there is no true "normal" when it comes to weight, there are some norms that can help you understand whether your child weighs more or less than most children his age. What you do with that information may be more important than the information itself.

  1. Definition of Normal

    • When it comes to kids, no kid is truly "normal." Age, height and build all affect a child's weight, and they need to be taken into account. At the same time, it is important to know whether a child is truly at a normal weight or the child is obese. One way to find out where a child falls in terms of weight is by calculating the child's body mass index (BMI).

    Body Mass Index

    • A child's body mass index (BMI) measures how that person compares to other children at the same age and height. Although BMI is not a measure of fat, it is used by physicians to understand whether a child is at a normal weight.

    Calculating BMI

    • To calculate a child's BMI, use a calculator such as the one at KidsHealth.org (see Resources below). If your child's weight is between the 5th percentile and the 84th percentile, her weight is normal. If it is below the 5th percentile, it is low, and if it is above the 84th percentile, it is high. A child whose weight is above the 95th percentile is considered obese.

    Differences Between Kids and Adults

    • If you discover that your child is overweight, you may feel pressured to make sure that he loses weight right away. Don't overreact. While an overweight adult should probably diet to lose the excess weight, children have an advantage that can lessen this worry: they're still growing. It is normal for a child to become slightly heavier before a growth spurt, so if your child is still growing, don't worry if he is slightly overweight for a period of time. Of course, there are various ways that you can make sure that he is still healthy. Also keep in mind that muscular children may have higher BMIs due to muscle mass and not fat.

    Overweight Children

    • Very rarely is it appropriate for growing kids to diet, and especially without the advice of a pediatrician. It is much more prudent for a parent to focus on a child's overall nutrition rather than her weight. To make sure that your child is getting the proper nutrition, make sure that she is eating a balanced diet that includes foods from each of the food groups. Encourage her to eat whole grains and to limit sugar intake--not so that she can lose weight, but so that she can be healthy. Make sure that your child is exercising appropriately as well.

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