Skip to main content
Go to homepage

Print Page

What Is a BMI Report Card?

My son is 6 years old, and I just got his BMI report card from school. It says he is overweight. What does that mean? What do I do now?
Amy

BMI, or body mass index, is a calculation that uses height and weight to estimate how much body fat a person has. Childhood obesity is a serious problem, so many schools have added BMI to the annual health screening of their students.

Some parents are uncomfortable with the idea of a BMI report card. But an overweight child has a greater chance of developing health problems, such as high blood pressure and diabetes. Parents should share the BMI information with their child's doctor, who can help interpret the results and offer advice.

Here are some tips to help kids maintain a healthy weight:

  • Encourage kids to be active every day. Experts recommend that kids get 60 minutes or more of physical activity daily.
  • Offer fruits and vegetables at meals and snacks and encourage your child to eat five or more servings a day.
  • Serve the right portion sizes for your child's age.
  • Limit sugar-sweetened beverages and offer low-fat milk or water instead.
  • Limit screen time (time spent watching TV, playing video games, using a smartphone, computer, or other device) to less than 2 hours a day.
  • Set a good example by eating healthy, being physically active, and limiting the time you spend in front of a screen.

Reviewed by: Mary L. Gavin, MD
Date Reviewed: Jan 1, 2020

Lea este articulo en Español

What next?

Summit Mall Play Area
Answer Key:
Click to expand
There are 10 nurses in the picture.

And we have many more pediatric primary care providers in Northeast Ohio. You can meet some of them here.
Summit Mall Play Area
Answer Key:
Click to expand
The five differences are:
– Phone color
– Coat pocket
– Stethoscope earpiece color
– Stethoscope bell dot
– Clipboard paper color

Need help finding a doctor, choosing a location or getting a general question about Akron Children's answered? Call us or fill out the form and we'll help in any way we can.
Summit Mall Play Area
Answer Key:
Click to expand
The two matching doctors are 9 and 14.

With virtual visits, you can see our pediatric experts from the comfort of home or wherever you are.
Summit Mall Play Area
Answer Key:
Click to expand
The correct path:
The Correct Path
We offer many ways to get pediatric care all over Northeast Ohio. Use this page to find the right kind of care and the most convenient location for you.