Healthy Tools

Calculate YOUR BMI NOW!

Your Body Mass Index (BMI) is a score that can help you know if your or your child’s weight is in a “healthy range” (the right weight for the right height). Figuring out your BMI may help you find out if you’re underweight, overweight (prone to health risks), obese or just right (desirable). But always ask your PCP to let you know for sure whether or not your weight is healthy.

Please note that the BMI calculator on the right (to figure out a BMI score) can be used for adults and children. However, the healthy weight for a child may be a few pounds less than what is healthy for an adult once a child reaches adult height. That’s why you need to make sure you talk to your child’s PCP about what weight is healthy. 

What else do I need to know about my child's BMI?

• Once your child reaches first grade, it’s normal for his or her BMI score to grow each year.
• If your child is very athletic (active), he or she may have a lot of lean muscle. And muscle weighs more than fat. That means the BMI may show he or she is overweight. So you should discuss your child’s weight and BMI with your child’s PCP at each annual visit or whenever you have concerns.

Next Steps

If your or your child’s BMI score is in the normal (healthy) range, congratulations! Keep the healthy eating and exercising going. And confirm that the weight is healthy at your next PCP visit.

If your or your child’s BMI score is in the underweight range, contact your or your child’s PCP to find out what steps to take to get to a healthy weight. The PCP will tell you what foods are best to eat. The PCP will also tell you what physical activities are best, and may also order tests to find out why you or your child is underweight.

If your or your child’s BMI is in the overweight or obese range, you must call your or your child’s PCP. The PCP will tell you the right way to eat, exercise and get to a healthy weight. The PCP may also order tests to find out why you or your child is overweight or obese.

Remember: always check with your or your child’s PCP before starting an exercise program. And always set goals to get the best results.