To think it’s possible for child to be overweight BMI but not unhealthy?

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Did you know that a healthy ten-year old's ribs should be clearly visible? Many parents would consider that such a child was quite underweight.”
Professor Mary Rudolf
Obesity Expert

It's very normal to be able to see your prepubescent child's ribs.... I think people are just getting used to seeing overweight children and adults these days.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-12226744

we've lost sight of what normal looks like

Bingo! 😀

No.

I don't think you SHOULD. It's normal for some kids to see ribs and then normal for others to not. Some of my kids were sticks, the others were slim but not ultra skinny. Kids have different appetites and different needs.

At that age yes you should.

If he is, I wouldn't find the need to do great efforts to make him a healthy weight because more likely than not, it'll happen naturally. You just need to ensure he's eating well and is active. He clearly does not look huge by any means. So to make him a bit more of a healthier weight, that is all you need to do because in a few years, he'll grow a lot more anyway.

No you shouldn't be able to see ribs. Bloody hell

I agree. This boy has a deep chest. He looks well covered ( ie not bony) but not at all fat. You can see he would be heavy from his frame . But please get the thread taken down op: it’s his body!

Our eyes are so used to seeing children (and adults!) that are overweight we’ve lost sight of what normal looks like. You should be able to see his ribs.

I don't know why people are lying, his belly is absolutely poking over his swim shorts, I think it's really awful when people deny the obvious because they think they're being kind, it's not, it creates a false narrative that the op can console themselves with.

I assure you I'm not trying to be cruel either, I appreciate honesty and I'm being honest.

Fair enough the boy may have a solid build, everyone is different and hopefully he will have a growth spurt soon like others have said but looking solely from that picture the boys abdomen is bigger than it ideally should be, the op can make changes now to help keep it under control for her DSs sake.... that's the aim here right? A happy HEALTHY young man eventually.

Looks absolutely fine to me? I mean when my son was 8, he was definitely skinnier than that but your son by no means looks overweight to me.

BMI can often be a bit off really. It is definitely possible for a child to be overweight but healthy, providing they are eating generally with good portioned sized meals, are active and have good energy, good skin etc. I don't actually agree with the thing about how all kids are meant to be sticks with ribs showing. I know a lot of children are - all my children are slim and my 9 year old is especially skinny but every child is different. Kids grow into their weight.

I'd just make sure he's eating pretty healthily and fairly active. He'll be fine

The first commenters on this are being ridiculous, he doesn’t look over weight at all. I think BMI can be an indicator but not accurate for all.

My child has been on the 98th centile for weight and 75th for height pretty much since 3 months old. As far as I've read if, the numbers are not dramatically changing they are how they should be.

No he doesn't! He might be a bit chubby but his belly doesn't overhang his shorts

I am astounded at some of these comments. He looks absolutely fine. He is due a big growth spurt very soon and will look skinny I guarantee it. I don't like BMI as a standard especially for kids. I think it is more important to focus on a well balanced diet not too many treats and plenty of movement. If you are concerned speak to your GP but I think he is fine. God some people are very rude he is a child.

I don’t think he looks unhealthy oP.

eta I agree however with the poster who said best not to post your Dc image and get comments from strangers. The nasty ones have already started. I’d ask to get this taken down.

To me he doesn’t look overweight, is it possible that he is still healthy despite the chart and I’m not deluded

She is saying his weight falls into the overweight category but that she doesn’t think he looks overweight.

There’s no way of knowing that from a picture. Probably at that young age. But weight issues in childhood can lead to issues later in life so good to seek professional advice if concerned.

9 stone at 5'2" isn't overweight, it's in the middle of a healthy BMI. 10 stone is a bit overweight.

BMI isn't the trigger for EDs, there are many, many different factors which result in EDs.

If you looked skeletal at a stone over your healthy BMI there were likely other factors at play.

You are right, sorry op, I think he could be healthy and overweight but only because puberty can come along and help sort that out with a growth spurt and encouragement from parents supporting an appropriate diet and exercise.

Could you talk to your GP about how you could achieve this without causing emotional issues with him?

Children who end up very tall are usually on the upper centiles right from birth.