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This country is experiencing an epidemic of obesity, especially towards the increase among children and teens. The health of today's children is in trouble because of changes in the lifestyle of today's family and culture. Families are often too busy to prepare nutritious meals. Breakfast is sometime skipped or eaten on the go and then families at times turn to fast food restaurants for convenience as stated by Denehy, 2002. Colizza and Colvin (1995) stated,"obesity is the most common nutritional disturbance of children and one of the most challenging contemporary health problems" (p.17).
Children are living more sedentary lifestyles today with television and computer technology. According to Denehy (2002) "Fewer children engage in regular physical activity which decreases as they enter adolescence, especially among girls"(p.66).
One of the best measures of determining whether or not a child is overweight is the Body Mass Index. Overweight and obesity are a result of increased calories and decreased physical activity. Overweight is defined by age and gender-specific over the 95th percentile of body mass index (BMI), which is plotted on a growth chart. Calculate your child's or your own Body Mass Index (BMI) by clicking on the link below and follow the directions.
| Underweight BMI < 18.5 | Overweight BMI 25-29.9 |
| Normal weight BMI 18.5-24.9 | Obese BMI 30 or greater |
Limitations of the BMI: The BMI measurement is a reliable indicator of your total body fat. The score you get is valid for most people over age 18 with the following exceptions.
* It may overestimate body fat in athletes and those people with a muscular build.
* It may underestimate body fat in older people and others who have lost muscle.
Disclaimer: This information is not intended be a substitute for professional medical advice. It is provided for educational purposes only. You assume full responsibility for how you choose to use this information.