Puberty does not hit any two children at the exact same time. Some children start developing as early as the age of eight, while others start showing signs of development as late as fourteen. Similarly, two children when put together, will show different types of body shape - lean, muscular, thin, chubby, obese etc. This is why people with the same heights might end up having different weights.

Factors Affecting Height and Weight

Let's not forget that genes also play an important role in the height and weight of a child. For example, Indian children will have less height and more weight as compared to their Caucasian counterparts. Similarly, ethnicity can also dictate different body fat distributions and body compositions. This is why judging your health according to various height-weight charts may not be the smartest thing to do. No number on a scale can be right for you if it's the same for a thin child as it is for an obese one. For a more accurate understanding of the correct weight according to your height, use a BMI calculator.

BMI - Right Weight For Your Height

Weight is not constant during teenage years, which is another factor why professionals do not rely on just weight to judge whether a child is healthy or not. The BMI or the Body Mass Index calculates the amount of body fat in a person according to their height and weight. The result is plotted on a BMI chart, only after which the doctor is able to tell whether the child is obsessed, underweight or healthy. Your resultant number can be compared to other children the same age and height as you, which will help you compare how you fare physically when compared to them. There are different percentiles on the BMI chart, and the range for a healthy weight is between the fifth percentile and eighty-fifth percentile. People between the 85th and 95th percentile are overweight, while those over 95th percentile are considered obese. BMI results collected over the past few years can also help the doctor asses whether you are on your way to lose or gain weight, or whether you have been able to maintain it perfectly. Spotting signs of obesity early on can help parents make proper changes in the diet and physical activities of their children. However, a BMI result should also never be taken as a final report on your body fat content. There are many people with heavy bones and large frames who will always weight more than the average person, despite the fact that their body has lesser body fat. Similarly, a skinny person might have a normal BMI range, but still have a lot of body fat. They will help you understand whether or not you have a weight problem. A dietician is referred to when the doctor thinks you're over or underweight. They offer you proper nutrients in your diet along with a little physical exercise based on every child's individual needs to ensure a healthy growth. Do not follow diets you find on the internet. They aren't designed for children, and absence of even a single important nutrient from their meal can prove to be disastrous in the long run. Get assistance in choosing the right doctor in India for your all health-related issues -