Ideal Weight for Children

Obesity, either in children or adults, is a major health concern worldwide. Every year, hundreds of deaths occur due to weight related complications. The number of childhood obesity has increased considerably in the last few decades. According to medical studies, about 18 - 33% of children and teenagers are suffering from obesity problems in the United States. Among the several factors for unhealthy weight gain in children, the primary reasons are poor diet and lack of physical activities.

Ideal weight for children refers to the healthy weight range depending upon the age, sex, height and body type. Since hereditary factors also contribute a lot in weight gain, maintaining the ideal weight is easier said than done for many of kids who have obese parents. Understanding the ideal height and weight for children is very important to maintain the overall health and wellness of every child.

What is the Ideal Body Weight for Children?

There is no specific ideal weight for children as such. In fact, it depends upon the age, sex, height, body type, body structure and racial background of the child. As kids are in the active growing stage, it is to be noted that the ideal weight of children is entirely different from that of adults. Considering this, adult weight and height charts are framed for those who are above 18 years of age.

Speaking about ideal height and weight for children, the best reliable tool is to calculate body mass index (BMI) of the kid by using the formula - (weight/height squared) x 703. Thus, for estimating the BMI of a child, measure the height in inches and weight in pounds. Then divide the child's weight by the square of the child's height. Finally, multiply this result by 703. If the BMI result is between 18.5 and 24.9, then it is considered healthy. Otherwise, children who have their BMI result below 18.5 are underweight; while those with a BMI result above 24.9 are overweight.

In general, if the weight of a child is 10% or more than the ideal weight recommended with reference to the height and body structure, then only he/she is considered as obese. Hence, do not be in the wrong concept that a kid who has gained a few extra pounds is obese. Nevertheless, the child will have a tendency to become overweight or obese, if proper care regarding diet and exercise is not taken at the right time.

A main worrying fact is that kids who are overweight are at a higher risk of becoming obese adults. As per medical experts, childhood obesity at the age between 10 - 13 years has about 80% chances of becoming obese in the later part of life. Not only an obese kid is susceptible to health problems, but he/she can also be affected by teasing, embarrassment, emotional tension, low self-esteem and less activeness.

Usually, a child tends to gain weight at the age of 5 - 6 years and during the onset of adolescence. If subsequent changes in the food intake, eating habit and physical exercises are implemented, then the child's weight can be maintained in the healthy range as per the prescribed ideal weight for kids.

Ideal Weight for Children Chart

As the problem of childhood obesity is on the rise, most parents are concerned about the ideal weight and height for children. You can refer to the ideal weight for children chart, which is available in health clinics and other fitness centers.

You can get such a reference chart that shows the figures of the ideal height and weight for children. By regularly monitoring your child's weight, whether he/she is underweight, normal or overweight, you can save your child from the various future risks of weight related medical complications.