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What is the difference between a child being overweight and obese?

Body mass index (BMI) is a tool that is used to classify the weight of adults into healthy, overweight and obese. BMI is calculated by dividing the weight (in kilograms) by the height (in meters) squared. In children, BMI is assessed in conjunction with percentile charts that take into account your child's gender and age. This is because weight and growth varies as children develop. In Australia, two different BMI percentile charts may be used to assess a child as overweight or obese: WHO percentile charts, and; US-CDC percentile charts. In both charts, children with a BMI percentile range between 85 and 94 are considered to be overweight, whereas those with a BMI greater than 96 are classed as obese.

FAQ Frequently asked questions

What is childhood obesity?

Childhood obesity is a body weight that is greater than that considered healthy for a child's height. Carrying excess body fat can have a range of serious consequences for children's health, particularly in their future.

What is are body mass index percentile charts?

The body mass index (BMI) is a tool that is used to classify weight in adults into healthy, overweight and obese. BMI is calculated by dividing weight (in kilograms) by height (in meters) squared. In children, BMI is assessed using percentile …

Can children have surgery for obesity?

For most children who are overweight or obese, it is recommended that they manage their weight with lifestyle changes, preferably with the whole family getting involved. While children are not advised to have surgery, for adolescents who are very …

What causes obesity?

In some respects the cause of obesity is quite simple - it occurs because your child takes in more energy through food and drink than their body uses, so the excess energy gets converted into fat. Taking in small amounts of extra energy on a daily basis can eventually …

What are the health consequences of obesity for children?

Carrying extra weight has a range of consequences for the body. Not only can it increase levels of inflammation in the body and affect the body's metabolic processes, it also places extra load and stress on important structures such …

What medications can cause obesity?

Medications that can cause weight gain and contribute to obesity include medications for bipolar disorder, type 2 diabetes, depression, high blood pressure and others. Your doctor can discuss whether your medications are likely to cause increased weight …

Why does obesity cause health problems?

The extra weight due to obesity can increase levels of inflammation in the body and affect the body's metabolic processes. It also places extra load and stress on important structures such as the joints, the airways and the bladder.

How can I help my child lose weight?

For most children, weight loss is not recommended as an approach to deal with overweight and obesity. Rather, the focus is on maintaining weight so that as the child grows, their BMI will steadily decrease. For children who are very obese, and …

How can I prevent my child from becoming overweight or obese?

Weight gain can be prevented by making sure the energy your child takes in through food and drink is balanced with the energy they use up. Eating healthy, fresh food and fitting in regular physical activity can help to keep your …

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Body mass index, or BMI, is a tool used to classify your weight. Obesity is defined as a BMI greater than 30 and is a weight significantly greater than what is considered healthy for your height. Carrying excess body weight can have serious consequences for your health. It is possible to reduce your body weight to a healthy range with practical lifestyle measures.…

About this article

Author: Kellie Heywood
First answered: 24 Oct 2014
Last reviewed: 14 May 2019
Rating: 4.8 out of 5
Votes: 1148 (Click smiley face below to rate)
Category: Healthy eating

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