Body Mass
Index (BMI) is used to determine whether a student is within a normal
growth pattern, overweight, at risk of becoming overweight, or
underweight. BMI is calculated by dividing the weight (in kg.) by the
height (in meters) squared.
By using BMI growth
charts, a child's BMI can be determined by their specific age and sex.
Children are considered overweight when their BMI value is at or above
the 95th percentile. They are at risk for being overweight when their
BMI value is between the 85th and 95th percentile and underweight if
their BMI is below the 5th percentile. BMI should be considered a
screening tool and not a definitive measure of overweight and obesity as
the index does have limitations. For example, athletes and other
physically active students may have a high BMI due to their increased
muscle mass, which weighs more that fat mass.
The
Pennsylvania Department of Health requires that the school nurse
calculate each student's BMI and share this information with parents. If
you have any questions about this procedure, please feel free to
contact Mrs. Poper at 597-3226 x10516.