y6 weighing and measuring - what BMI percentile would concern you?

[thankgoditsover]

Sorry if this has been asked already, but I've just got my son's measurements so was wondering at what point on the scale - either upper or lower- you might think you need to change things.

He's on the 9th percentile for BMI (6th according to some sites) and anything above 5 is normal. However, I can't help thinking that it's a bit on the low side and he does eat like a bird. Is it better to leave him be since he's 'normal' or are there good ways of getting more healthy calories into him? I'm slightly concerned his lack of appetite will stunt his growth.

A friend's son is 86th - again it's within the normal range (up to 90th is fine), but she is wondering whether it's a nudge that she should be controlling snacks and portion sizes.

[Singleandproud]

I guess the more exercise he does the hungrier he'll be so will eat more and only offer - fruit/veg/protein instead of carbs. Get him involved in a sport if his not already.

Make sure he doesn't have energy drinks etc as they could affect his metabolism and I see lots of year 6 walk to my DDs school drinking them after they've been to the shops and I'm sure that's not what their parents have given them money for.

[coreyp]

DS was around 92nd, and obviously plump at the reception weigh-in. I didn't need a BMI value to tell me that he was a lot chunkier than ideal.

If mine were very slight I'd be thinking how energetic are they, how much stamina, how resilient are they to bugs going around, to figure out if there was a problem.

[thankgoditsover]

He's very active - probably plays around 10 hours of sport a week which obviously contributes to his slight frame. He's actually quite muscly - well either that or he's so skinny you can see whatever muscle he has.

It's two things I worry about - the stunting of this growth and the fact that the little he eats isn't as healthy as I'd like, cereal, toast etc rather than my lovingly prepared meals.

But I suppose mother-worrying-about-child's-eating isn't exactly new or unique.

[coreyp]

Doesn't sound like any problems. :)

[thankgoditsover]

You're right of course, there isn't really anything to worry about. He has always been a picky eater with all the attendant battles and stresses that brings and I guess I'd just feel happier if he was a little nearer the average since he only has to lose a kilo to be 'underweight'.

[AuntieStella]

If it's within normal, then I really wouldn't worry. Children are all sorts of sizes and shapes and I think that's why the range of normal is so very wide.