What's next?

If you are concerned about your child's weight, or if your child has had a large change in BMI (whether up or down), talk to your doctor. Remember that BMI-for-age is just a guide.

If your child does have a weight problem, you and your doctor can talk about what you can do to help, such as providing healthy foods and helping your child to be more active.

Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (2011). Healthy weight—It's not a diet, it's a lifestyle! About BMI for children and teens. Available online: http://www.cdc.gov/healthyweight/assessing/bmi/childrens_bmi/about_childrens_bmi.html.

For more information, see these topics:

• Growth and Development, Ages 2 to 5 Years
• Growth and Development, Ages 6 to 10 Years
• Growth and Development, Ages 11 to 14 Years
• Growth and Development, Ages 15 to 18 Years
• Healthy Eating for Children

References