Childrens Body Mass Index Cedars-Sinai Skip to content Close Select your preferred language English عربى 简体中文 繁體中文 فارسي עִברִית 日本語 한국어 Русский Español Tagalog Menu Close Call 1-800-CEDARS-1 toggle search form Close Share Email Print Body Mass Tool for Children and Teens The body mass index is a measure of a person's body fat. The index number uses a person's weight and height. It is used to find out if an adult is too thin, too heavy, or obese. In children and teens, the index is used to find out if a child is too thin, too heavy, or at risk of becoming too heavy. A child's body fat changes with age. Also, girls and boys differ in how much body fat they have as they grow. This tool gives a fairly accurate BMI for children from age 5 to age 18. It will tell you if a child is underweight, at the right weight, at risk of being overweight, or is now overweight. Enter Child s Information Sex:   Your Results The information you gave us gives a BMI of This means your child is weighs too little. An ideal number for your child's sex and age is between and . It may be OK for your child to underweight. Or a health problem could be causing your child to be underweight. Talk with your child's doctor. This number means your child is at the right weight. An ideal BMI for your child's sex and age is between and . Having the right weight means your child’s diet is balanced out with his or her level of activity. Your child may eat the right amount of food for a healthy weight but still not what he or she needs for good overall health. That's why it's still important for your child to eat healthy foods and get plenty of exercise. Good habits learned now will last a lifetime. This BMI means your child is at risk of being overweight. An ideal BMI for your child's sex and age is between and . Being overweight is a point at which your child's weight is no longer healthy. Your child isn't yet obese, but work with your doctor to prevent future problems. An overweight child may develop problems with self-esteem. And doctors are finding that heavy children develop health problems such as diabetes early in life. Children who are overweight usually stay that way as adults. In adults this boosts the risk for serious diseases such as stroke, heart attack, diabetes, arthritis, and some types of cancer. So now is the time to teach your child healthy habits. This BMI means your child is obese. An ideal BMI for your child's gender and age is between and . Being obese is a point at which your child's weight is no longer healthy. This is serious. An obese child may develop problems with self-esteem. And doctors are finding that obese children develop serious health problems such as diabetes early in life. Children who are obese usually stay that way as adults. In adults this boosts the risk for serious diseases such as stroke, heart attack, diabetes, arthritis, and some types of cancer. So now is the time to teach your child healthy habits. This is not meant to replace a doctor’s care. Always talk with a doctor for advice about weight. Only your doctor can advise you about your child's health. Expert Care for Life Starts Here Adult Primary Care Pediatric Primary Care Urgent Care Need Help 1-800-CEDARS-1 (1-800-233-2771) Schedule a Callback Looking for a Physician Choose a doctor and schedule an appointment. Find a Doctor Share Email Print Please ensure Javascript is enabled for purposes of website accessibility