BMI, or Body Mass Index, is a calculation that uses height and weight to estimate how much body fat a person has. A child who is overweight is at increased risk of developing health problems, such as high blood pressure and diabetes, high cholesterol and a fatty liver. Parents are encouraged to share this information with their child's doctor
utritionist, who can help interpret the results and make recommendations. Here are some tips to help kids maintain a healthy weight.
Offer fruits and vegetables at meals and snack times and encourage your child to eat five or more servings a day
Serve appropriate portion sizes - Limit sugar-sweetened beverages and offer low-fat milk or water instead
Limit time spent in front of a screen, including TV and computers, to less than 2 hours a day
Set a good example by eating healthy, being physically active, and limiting the time you spend in front of a screen
Encourage kids to be active every day. Experts recommend that kids get 60 minutes or more of physical activity daily