Body Mass Index Information

Body Mass Index Information

In order to comply with the state’s mandated health screening program, your certified school nurse assesses your child’s height, weight, BMI/percentile, and vision in grades Kindergarten through 12th annually. Hearing in Kindergarten and grades 1-3, 7th and 11th, and scoliosis in grades 6th and 7th. 

The calculation of your child’s body mass index is a mathematical calculation that is performed using your child’s height and weight measurement. Your child’s BMI is compared to the BMI of other children in the US of the same gender and age. For example: If your child’s BMI is in the 60th percentile, this means that compared to children of the same gender and age across the United States, 60% have a lower BMI than your child.

Your child’s BMI is influenced by genetic makeup, state of health, dietary intake, and physical exercise. For example, serious athletes may have a higher-than-expected BMI due to their increase in muscle mass.

Because this is Pennsylvania State Law, it is required that your school nurse calculate this measurement each year as part of your child’s growth and development assessment. It is meant to be one indicator, along with many other indicators, of your child’s health and development.

Your child is NOT given this information at any time. The certified school nurse makes the calculations after the child’s health screening session and notes this information in your child’s school health record. This medical record is kept confidential. 

Please contact your school nurse for your child’s BMI results, they will not be sent home to you. Please refer to this table for an interpretation of the results:

A BMI UNDER 5%: AT RISK: UNDERWIEGHT

A BMI BETWEEN 5-85%: HEALTHY WEIGHT

A BMI >85-<95%: OVERWEIGHT

A BMI 95% AND ABOVE: OBESE

Remember your child’s healthcare provider knows your child and your family history. He/she is the best person to evaluate whether or not your child’s measurements are within a healthy range. Your healthcare provider can assist you in planning a healthy diet and exercise program for your child.