FYI, your BMI is PDI.

Huh? Would you like a translation? Here it is: For your information (FYI), your body mass index (BMI) is pretty darn important (PDI).

Did you know you had a BMI? Body mass index is a calculation that uses your height and weight to estimate how much body fat you have. Too much body fat is a problem because it can lead to illnesses and other health problems. BMI, although not a perfect method for judging someone's weight, is often a good way to check on how a kid is growing.

Calculating BMI

The best way to determine your BMI is to have your doctor do it for you. That way, you'll know the number is accurate and your doctor can discuss the result with you. If you're interested, you also can figure out your BMI on your own. Use this calculator:

Once you have calculated your BMI, you'll learn that you are in one of four categories:

1. Underweight: Less than the 5^th percentile
2. Healthy weight: Between the 5^th and the 85^th percentiles
3. At risk for overweight: Between the 85^th and 95^th percentiles
4. Overweight: Higher than the 95^th percentile

A kid whose BMI is at the 50^th percentile is close to average because half of the kids in the sample group had a higher BMI and half had a lower BMI. A kid between the 85^th and 95^th percentiles is considered at risk of becoming overweight. And a kid who measures above the 95^th percentile is considered overweight because 95% of the population has a lower BMI than he or she does. A kid below the 5^th percentile may be considered underweight because 95% of the population has a higher BMI.

How BMI Can Change

It's important to remember that BMI is interpreted differently for adults. There are separate charts for men and women, but they don't use percentiles at all. There are just number ranges that are considered underweight, normal weight, overweight, or obese (which means very overweight). That's because adults have stopped growing and their age is no longer a major consideration when it comes to weight. Kids, on the other hand, are growing. And it's common for kids to gain weight during certain times in childhood, such as puberty. The charts take growth into account.

The following example shows that in action:

Here's a look at a boy as he grows yet stays in the 50^th percentile for BMI, which means he's average. Notice that his BMI goes up and down, but he continues to stay at the same percentile.

Where BMI Can Fall Short

BMI is not the whole story when it comes to someone's weight. A more muscular kid may have a higher weight and BMI but not have too much body fat. Also, a smaller kid could have an ideal BMI, but might have less muscle and too much body fat. Because of these and other considerations, it's a good idea to talk to your doctor if you have questions about whether you are at your ideal weight.

If your doctor tells you your BMI is high, don't let it get you down. Instead, talk to your doctor about what you should do to lower your BMI. Unlike adults, kids don't usually need to diet. But by eating healthier and getting more exercise, a kid can improve his or her BMI. Controlling a weight problem while you're still a kid can help you avoid becoming an overweight adult and developing health problems like diabetes and heart disease. With a little effort, your BMI will be JWIOTB — just where it ought to be!

Reviewed by: Mary L. Gavin, MD
Date reviewed: February 2006