Obesity in kids: What is the ideal BMI for children?

Childhood obesity is growing at an alarming rate in the country. Did you know that India has more than 14.4 million obese children, the second highest in the world after China? A 2017 study published in The New England Journal of Medicine said the number would reach a staggering 17 million by 2025.

The World Health Organization has called childhood obesity one of the most serious public health challenges of the 21st century.

With the rise in consumption of packaged and ultra-processed food and beverages, dietary preferences have majorly changed. Being obese drastically increases the chances of comorbidities such as diabetes, hypertension, respiratory disease and heart problems, among others, in children.


The Body Mass Index (BMI) calculator can help parents monitor if their child is underweight, overweight or obese.

BMI = weight (kg) / height 2

While the formula used to evaluate a child's BMI is exactly that used for adults, the calculations are interpreted in a different manner. The Indian Academy of Paediatrics in 2017 shared the break-up of BMI in children (boys and girls between ages 6 and 18).

• BMI < 15 = Underweight
• BMI 16-22 = Normal
• BMI > 23 = Risk of being overweight
• BMI > 27 = Risk of obesity

As BMI in children and teenagers is age- and gender-specific, it is termed as “BMI for age” and is defined in percentile. Hence, the percentile format would appear as:

• Less than the 5th percentile = Underweight
• Between 5th and less than 85th percentile = Healthy weight
• Between 85th and less than 95th percentile = Overweight
• More than 95th percentile = Obese

Experts say it is crucial to monitor a child's BMI once every year. If the BMI fluctuates massively, parents must immediately make sure the children switch to a healthier lifestyle.

Adopting a healthy lifestyle is the right step for your young ones. Here's how to get started:

• Consume more fruits & veggies
• Don't eat while watching TV
• Drink lots of water
• Say no to sugar
• Do 60 minutes of daily physical activity