Body mass index WHO BMI measurement for adults, children and adolescents. Measures to take

Adults should carefully monitor their own and their children’s body weight. Obesity in childhood is much more common than we would like, but its progression can be stopped by taking timely measures. The main way to calculate the “correct” weight of a boy or girl is to measure the weight index. To find out the exact body mass index of a child, you need to divide the weight by the square of the height value. Afterwards, all that remains is to compare the data with the tabular ones and draw the appropriate conclusions.

So, to calculate a child’s BMI index, you need, as for an adult, to divide kilograms of weight by square meters of height. That is, height is indicated as 0.7, 1.2, and so on. BMI shows the proportion between body weight and length, which can be used to determine whether a child weighs enough, too much, too much or too little. BMI assessment is quite accurate, but still does not take into account all parameters. Different constitutions have a certain effect on weight (it can vary greatly with equal height values).

Deviations of current weight indicators from optimal ones at the age of one to 17 years are assessed in points - grades are given on a five-point system. To calculate a child's BMI, the same form is used as for an adult. 5 points – ideal match for age and weight, +4 – slight excess, +3 – moderate excess, +2 – severe excess, -2 – severe underweight, -3 – moderate underweight, -4 – mild. Normal BMI in childhood is lower than in adults – 15-18.5, taking into account age. This is explained by different proportions and, accordingly, unequal height-weight indicators.

Relationship between constitution and body weight

There are amendments to the basic calculation formulas that take into account the type of constitution of the child. Main options:

• Asthenics;
• Hypersthenics;
• Normosthenics.

It is most convenient to determine the constitution by the angle formed by the lower ribs at the point of their convergence to the sternum. In the case of normosthenics, it is 90 degrees, for asthenics it will be less, and for hypersthenics it will be more. Also, the body type is determined by the volume of the chest - in a hypersthenic it is wide and often low, in an asthenic it is elongated and narrow. In this case, the ideal weight is calculated using the formula:

Again, the accuracy of such a calculation will be relative, since it is impossible to take into account all the factors that influence children’s BMI, but still, the formula that takes into account body type is more accurate. With equal height, asthenics always weigh much less than hypersthenics - and both options are considered normal.

Age

Weight does not depend on the number of years in childhood, as in adulthood. The fact is that age primarily indicates the intensity of metabolic processes, and it slows down after 25-30 years, but not at 5 or 10. For children, what is more important is the level of motor efficiency, metabolic rate, and muscle volume. Energy expenditure in childhood is always significant, since both children and adolescents are highly active. Problems begin only when there is low mobility and incorrect taste habits. A balanced diet and adequate mobility are important in any case.

Online calculators

Also, to calculate the optimal BMI for children, it is convenient to use online calculators, which are available on special websites (search via Google). Unlike simplified tables, calculators come in basic and advanced types. The second option takes into account the maximum parameters and, accordingly, gives optimally accurate results. Ranges of body weight values ​​(normal, excess, deficiency) are determined using methodological materials developed by WHO. For many years, WHO has studied the characteristics and specifics of children's development, taking into account their nationality, geography of residence, and other factors.

Your task is to correctly calculate the values ​​and enter them into the calculator, and the program will do the rest itself. If measurements were previously made with an error, then the results will be approximate. You can try to measure your height alternately with another person - sometimes the results differ by several centimeters, which accordingly affects the final values.

Height and body length

For children under two years old, height is measured in a lying position, for older children - standing. There are also two terms used - height and body length, the difference between them can be up to 1 cm, which affects the assessment results. Body length is a value that is used at the age of under two years.

Height varies

Growth is the most important physical indicator of a child, which must be monitored monthly. Short stature is usually a consequence of prematurity, developmental problems, or various diseases.

Growth options:

1. Ultra-low – we can talk about pathological retardation; as for body weight, it can be normal, deficient, or excessive. To eliminate the lag, you need to accurately determine the cause of its development.
2. Low – there are delays, excess weight is possible. Need medical help.
3. The norm is the statistical average, the same as that of the majority of representatives of a certain age group.
4. Below average - a little short of the norm, but not far beyond its limits.
5. Above average - the child is tall, but within the normal range.
6. High is a hereditary factor, very rarely an indicator of any problems. No additional observations are needed.
7. Very high is, as a rule, not a cause for concern, but it is better to exclude the presence of endocrine pathologies.

Height does not always correspond to age, so when calculating BMI, it is he, and not age, that is taken into account. Average values ​​are, of course, the most common, but do not always accurately reflect the picture.

Correspondence of the weight-height pair in childhood

Thus, it is the indicator of the ratio of height and body weight that is most important for children and adults. Normal values ​​in childhood will be different than in adults - they are several divisions lower. That is, if for an adult 18.5 is the minimum normal indicator, then for a child it is the maximum.

BMI can determine one of the following body weight situations:

1. Deficiency – significant depletion. A change in diet and appropriate treatment are needed.
2. Lack of weight - the situation is not as dangerous as in the first case, but medical consultation and correction of the usual diet are also indicated.
3. Low weight – values ​​below average, but not beyond the norm. The child simply looks less dense than other peers.
4. The norm is the optimum “height-weight”.
5. Increased body weight is still within the normal range, but there are risks of developing excess body weight. It is necessary to take into account the hereditary factor - if one of the parents is overweight, the child will also have a predisposition. This is a reason to monitor your diet more carefully.
6. Excess weight – if you are overweight, medical correction is required.
7. Obesity – the norm of body weight is greatly exceeded.

If the calculator writes that the value cannot be estimated, some data was entered incorrectly, so accurate calculations are impossible.

Weight indicators

The assessment of BMI and body weight is always averaged; if there is a problem, it needs to be considered comprehensively and in more detail. Strong deviations from the norm in any case require correction. Basic weight values:

1. Ultra-low – the child is severely malnourished and needs medical attention;
2. Normal underweight is simply low weight, possibly emaciation;
3. Below the norm - the values ​​​​do not reach the norm, but there is no particular cause for concern;
4. Average – average indicators typical for the majority;
5. More than average – you are overweight;
6. Ultra-high – a diagnosis of obesity is made; body weight does not correspond to age.

Any, and especially significant, deviations from the norm are a reason to be wary and consult a doctor, since the reason lies in health problems. It is possible that you did not enter all the correct values ​​during the calculation - double-check the information, make adjustments if necessary and perform the calculations again.

Conclusion

The mass index shows the height-weight proportion, which ideally should not deviate too much from the table values. Both underweight and excess weight are equally harmful at any age; in children, obesity indicates various problems with metabolism and health in general, poor lifestyle, and type of nutrition. Habits are established from a very early age, and parents must ensure that they are correct. For example, the optimal weight is considered to be the one a person had at age 25. Over time, lifestyle and metabolism change, so every 5-7 years you need to review your basic habits and make adjustments. Excess weight is a cause of early aging, and it is in your best interests not to gain it. If problems with obesity began in childhood, they definitely need to be dealt with - otherwise the situation will only worsen with age.

It is convenient to use special online calculators, which significantly simplify the process of performing calculations. Choose programs with the maximum number of available values ​​to enter all the data (height, age, weight, constitution) and get the most accurate calculations. Height is a much more significant parameter than age. Any excessive values, especially extreme values ​​(both for deficiency and excess body weight) will be a good reason for seeking medical help. At an early age, the problem is solved by correcting nutrition, as well as treating disorders identified during the examination (it will be necessary to undergo it to make an accurate diagnosis).

For most parents, the main indicator of a child’s health is a good appetite, while they are also afraid of both the appearance of extra pounds and their lack. However, independently calculating how much a son’s or daughter’s body weight corresponds to height and age is not at all easy, because until the age of 18, “adult” methods of such measurements are not suitable for them. That is why it is necessary to have on hand a special online child weight calculator, which is presented on our website. Using this service, you can easily and simply receive accessible information about the development of your children by checking the required parameters in the appropriate fields.

Child height and weight calculator

Select the gender and age of the child to find out what the parameters of your child should be according to WHO standards (World Health Organization)

Low kg

Average kg

High kg

Low cm

Average cm

Tall cm

How does it work

This calculator plays a very important role in helping parents assess their child’s condition, get rid of doubts, find out the need to adjust the child’s diet in one direction or another and at the same time avoid weight fluctuations. The main parameters required to calculate the norm are:

• dependence on gender and age;
• weight to height ratio.

The method for using the online calculator is as follows:

1. Mark the gender and select the child’s age, click “Calculate”.
2. Measure his height and weigh him. Measurements and weighing should be performed in the morning, on an empty stomach, after visiting the toilet, barefoot, wearing light underwear.
3. Compare the data obtained with the parameters of the calculator.

The standards given in the calculation results are established by the World Health Organization separately for boys and girls. Our site uses the most up-to-date data that can be used to interpret height and weight measurements for children up to and including the age of 17.

To establish new standards for child development, UNICEF, WHO and a number of UN organizations conducted a large-scale project during which 9,000 boys and girls were examined. All of them were brought up in a favorable environment with a healthy lifestyle and proper diet. The results of the data obtained were graphs of parameters from toddlers to adolescents. These graphs reflect not only absolute indicators, but also the relationship between height and weight. It is this ratio that gives the most complete picture of how harmonious development is for a particular child or teenager. Our calculator is based on this methodology.

Interpretation of results

As a result of the calculation, the calculator displays height and weight indicators - low, medium and high. Each of them is interpreted accordingly.

Height (length)

For children under 3 years of age, body length is measured; after 3 years of age, height in a standing position is measured. The difference between these parameters can be of the order of 1 cm, which will affect the assessment results. Therefore, for accurate calculations, it is recommended that small children be measured by a pediatrician, since this indicator is one of the most important.

Possible height (length) estimates using the calculator:

1. Very low - much lower than normal, which indicates a significant developmental delay, often accompanied by extra pounds. An examination by a doctor is recommended to determine the cause and treatment.
2. Low - a slight lag, which can also lead to excess kilograms. Consultation with a specialist is advisable.
3. Below average - not high, but within normal limits.
4. Average - determined in many healthy boys and girls.
5. Above average - within normal limits.
6. High - rare and, as a rule, is hereditary, without indicating any abnormalities.
7. Very high - may be the norm if the parents also differ in the same parameters, or a sign of an endocrine disorder. It is recommended to consult a doctor.

The weight indicator alone does not allow a full assessment of the child’s development. But if, according to the results of the calculator, body weight is determined to be very low or extremely high, then this is a reason to consult a doctor.

Possible estimates using the calculator:

1. Very low - there is a great danger of exhaustion of the body. Immediate examination by a specialist is required.
2. Low - there is also a possibility of exhaustion; consultation with a doctor is necessary.
3. Below average is the lower limit of normal, the diet should be reconsidered.
4. Medium is ideal for many healthy girls and boys.
5. More than average - with this indicator it is necessary to carry out an assessment taking into account BMI.
6. Very large - also estimated based on body mass index.

Body mass index

The harmonious development of a child does not depend on age, but is determined by the body mass index (BMI), which is calculated as the ratio of height and weight. Thus, the ideal weight for a 13-year-old girl of average height (151.8 cm) will be 43 kg, and for a 14-year-old girl of short height (147.8 cm) - 37.6 kg. In teenage boys, this difference is less pronounced, since during this period they develop less intensively. For example, a short (136.2 cm) teenager 12 years old should weigh 28.2 kg, while an 11 year old boy of average height (138.5 cm) should weigh 31 kg.

The body mass index indicator is individual for each person. It can be calculated on our website. It should also be taken into account that there are reasons that affect the decrease or gain of kilograms. Almost all of them can be adjusted to achieve optimal body weight.

Weight factors

Almost all deviations from the norm, determined when calculating on an online calculator, should not be a reason for panic. The main parameters for losing weight or gaining pounds depend on a number of different factors that need to be taken into account:

1. Genetic predisposition. The offspring of large parents will also have upward deviations in the same parameters. And thin, short parents very rarely grow up to have a daughter or son who is overweight.
2. Health status. Both diseases that directly affect weight (for example, endocrine diseases) and ordinary diseases that worsen the baby’s well-being, which leads to loss of appetite, play a role here.
3. Appetite. Everyone has a different relationship with food and a different appetite. If your weight does not deviate greatly from the norm, you should not force or restrict your diet, but the diet should be healthy - without fast food, chips, soda and other junk food.
4. Lifestyle. This is the most common reason for gaining excess pounds. Modern children spend little time outside, playing sports or playing active games. Parents should limit the time they spend sitting at the computer and organize their daily routine correctly.

By ensuring the correct regime, active pastime, eating healthy and tasty food, you can completely avoid your son or daughter from gaining extra pounds or lack of them due to lack of appetite. And using an online calculator will help you easily monitor their harmonious development.

Ideal weight is an average standard that is calculated based on data from a large number of people. But all people are different. Lifestyle, food culture, nationality and body type - all this influences ideal weight. For example, the normal weight of people with a strong physique will be 2-3% higher than that of people with an average build. And the norm for thin people is 3-5% less. Therefore, it is not necessary to strive specifically for the ideal weight, which shows weight calculator. It is quite enough if your weight falls within the calculated range.

Besides weight calculator calculates BMI- body mass index (ideal weight), which is widely used to determine the degree of correspondence between body weight and height.

How to calculate your ideal weight (BMI) yourself

BMI = M: P 2, where

M – body weight in kg

P – height in meters

Example of calculating body mass index: M (weight) – 78 kg, P (height) – 1.68 m

BMI = 78: 1.68 2 = 27.6

From the table below you can see that BMI=27.6 corresponds to overweight.

Interpretation table for BMI indicators

In case of a strong deviation from the norm, it is time to seriously think about correcting your weight. With reduced weight, dystrophy develops. In the modern civilized world, its cause is usually deliberate malnutrition. The desire to have an unnaturally slim figure can result in problems with both mental and physical health - decreased ability to work, dry skin, and hair loss. All this comes from a lack of substances necessary for the body.

However, their excessive excess also does not lead to anything good. A huge number of people suffer from obesity. Excess weight greatly increases the risk of kidney and gallstones, joint deformation, impotence, myocardial infarction and many other diseases. The entire body works under overload, moving masses of fat in space that are not provided for by the design of the human body. It is not surprising that the life expectancy of obese people is on average 6-8 years less than that of others.

A child's height and weight calculator from birth to 12 years will help determine the height and weight range of a child according to his age.

The calculator has an additional function - forecasting the height and weight of the child. Based on the entered parameters, you can predict height and weight for future years, but for this you need to fill in the corresponding fields with the child’s data as of today.

Please note that the response result is given in two versions:

1. according to centile tables;
2. according to the child’s weight and height.

Example: boy 8 years old - height 141 cm and weight 30 kg.

According to centile tables, the ratio of weight and height to age:

• Child’s height: tall (normal – 122-131 cm)
• Child's weight: overweight (normal 23-28 kg)

The child's weight according to his height:

• low (normal weight for a given height is 33-35 kg)

The child weighs above average and is even taller (tall child), i.e. weight does not catch up with height parameters. Therefore, according to the centile tables, the weight will be excessive for the norm, but insufficient for growth.

Calculate the child's weight and height

You can calculate the weight and height of a child according to his age independently by comparing the indicators according to the centile tables (tables 1 and 2), as well as comparing the ratio of the child’s height and weight (table 3). Remember that every child is different, so your child's growth and weight gain may differ from the values ​​​​indicated in the table.

Child's height and weight chart

Height and weight of a child up to one year old

To calculate the height and weight of a baby up to one year old, there is a table that will show how much weight a newborn should gain.

To quickly calculate the ratio of height and weight, as well as forecast indicators, use our height and weight calculator for a child from birth to 12 years.