What is a healthy weight for my child?
"What is a healthy weight?" is a common question for parents. Our children are weighed regularly as babies, but as children grow and develop at different rates it's not always easy to tell if they are a healthy weight.
How to check your child is a healthy weight
For children and young people aged 2 to 18, you can check their weight by working out their body mass index (BMI) using the NHS BMI calculator.
A child's BMI tells us if their weight is right for their height, and the result is given as a centile (or percentile). For example, a healthy weight result is between the 3rd and 91st centile.
School height and weight checks
Children are weighed and measured at school in Reception and Year 6 as part of the National Child Measurement Programme (NCMP).
Their height and weight are measured and used to calculate their body mass index (BMI). This information is used to plan and provide better services for children and families
Overweight
More young children than ever are overweight, but it's not always easy to tell if toddlers and very young children are overweight.
As a parent, there's plenty you can do to help your child become a healthier weight, like getting them eating well and increasing their activity levels.
Underweight
If you're concerned your child is underweight, take your child to see your GP. Low weight can occur for a number of reasons.
If there is a possible problem with your child's diet, your GP can give advice on what will help bring them up to a healthy weight, or refer your child to a dietitian.
You can check your child's height and weight to see if they have moved into the healthy range as they grow using the NHS BMI calculator.
NHS Change4Life and Better Health
Better Health exists to motivate and enable the nation to lead active and healthy lives. It's there to support and encourage all of us in taking steps to improve our physical and mental health.
Please visit their website here.