With childhood obesity rates skyrocketing in the United States, affecting one of every three children, the obesity epidemic can leave families wondering what an appropriate weight is for their children. Unfortunately, the answer is quite complex and there is no “right” weight. Healthy body weight will vary for each child. Even if another child is the same height and age as your child, they may still differ in weight because they have different body types or develop at different rates.

It’s all in the genes

• Genetics can contribute to your child’s body type as well as how their body stores and burns fat.
• Understanding your own family history can help you and your child’s pediatrician determine the diet and exercise routine that will be healthiest for your child as they grow.

Monitoring your child’s diet and nutrition is key.

• During busy weeknights, it’s tempting to choose quick but unhealthy foods, liked boxed, frozen or fast food meals. Try creating a nutritious meal schedule a week in advance and plan for quick home-cooked meals or leftovers for hectic evenings.
• Offer your child healthy snacks, such as whole fruits and vegetables.
• Limit your child’s sugar intake. Fruit drinks, sodas, and fruit juices are high in sugar. Offer water to your child when they are thirsty.

Physical activity and play are the best way.

• Put away the screens and pull out the bike. Keeping your child active every day is a great way to make sure they maintain a healthy weight.
• Children ages two to five should play actively several times a day.
• For older children, sixty minutes of exercise or physical activity daily is recommended.

The Body Mass Index, or BMI, can help determine if your child is within a healthy weight range for their height. You can calculate your child’s BMI on your own; however, you’ll want to consult with your doctor for a more accurate BMI result. Usually, a physician will analyze your child’s past and current BMI results while accounting for their current stage of puberty to predict their risk of becoming overweight.

Below are the BMI weight designations. Note that these are different from an adult’s BMI measurement because children grow in spurts and at different rates.

• Underweight: BMI below 5th percentile
• Normal Weight: BMI 5th percentile up to the 85th percentile
• Overweight: BMI 85th percentile up to the 95th percentile
• Obese: BMI at or above the 95th percentile

BMI is not used for children younger than 2. For infants and toddlers, doctors use a weight-for-length chart to determine if children are a healthy weight. If you are concerned about your child’s weight, consult your child’s pediatrician.