Visual Assessment Versus Calculation of BMI - Example 1: Mike

The first photo is of Mike, a 3-year-old boy. Does he appear to be classified as:

Please choose oneUnderweightNormal weightOverweightObese

Your visual assessment: Mike is underweight.

Let's assess for overweight or obesity by calculating BMI.

Mike's height is 39.7 inches and his weight is 41.0 pounds.

Enter his BMI here:
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41.0 / 39.7 / 39.7 x 703 = 18.3

That's correct. Mike's BMI=18.3

Now, plot his BMI on the appropriate chart for his age and interpret the findings.

Select a chart:
Please choose oneBoys 2 to 20 BMI-for-ageGirls 2 to 20 BMI-for-age
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On the boys BMI-for-age chart, find Mike’s age on the horizontal axis, and visually draw a vertical line up from that point. Then, find his BMI on the vertical axis, and visually draw a horizontal line across from that point. The point where the two intersect represents Mike’s BMI-for-age.

His age = 3 years
His BMI = 18.3

Mike's BMI-for-age falls above the 95th percentile on the BMI-for-age chart for boys so he would be considered obese.

Your visual assessment was that Mike is normal weight.

Go to Example 2