BMI - 4th percentile?!

[Wigglezzzz]

My nearly 11 year old BMI is only 14.8 - should I be worried? She’s on 4th percentile and last year was on 14th. I try to get her to eat as much as possible and she has a varied diet but she is naturally slim and has a fast metabolism!! 😬

I'm not sure where BMI for tweens should sit, but my oldest used to hover between 5th and 15th centiles. If he was about to shoot up, he would be higher. If he'd just done growing, at the lower end.
Like yours, he has always eaten well, and never stops moving.

If she is healthy, active, and eating well, it sounds like this is her natural weight. Snacks were king in our house! Finding trousers that fit was (is!) a nightmare.

Why not take her to a medical practitioner for advice, or ring them for a phone consult if you don't want to discuss her weight Infront of her. She may benefit from a blood test and to see if that fast metabolism is in actual fact an issue such as hyperthyroid or not actually absorbing nutrients or good ol' fashioned worms.

The NHS has a BMI checker for children and teenagers:

www.nhs.uk/health-assessment-tools/calculate-your-body-mass-index/calculate-bmi-for-children-teenagers

No one can say based on the above information.

Where does she sit on the individual height and weight charts in terms of centiles?

What was your reason for measuring her BMI? Does she look too thin? Does she seem to have a normal appetite and plenty of energy? And has anyone at school expressed concern over her weight, eating or energy?

If you are worried about Anorexia or Bulimia or other eating disorders, I would get her checked over. The longer they go on, the more intractable they are. But, if none of the above points I have mentioned concern you at all, I wouldn’t worry about it.

My son has always been just in the healthy BMI centile range and he's just naturally very slight (like his dad). That sounds like quite a big drop though so worth getting her checked out. Does she look thinner to you?

It sounds like you're doing your best to ensure she gets enough nutrition. A BMI in the 4th percentile might be concerning, but it’s important to consider her overall health, growth, and development. Since she has a fast metabolism and is naturally slim, it could just be her body type. It may be a good idea to discuss it with her pediatrician to rule out any underlying issues and get personalized advice. Keep up the good work, and try not to worry too much—medical professionals can provide a clearer picture! 😊