This BMI means your child is underweight. An ideal BMI for your child's gender and age is between and .

Your child may be naturally thin. Or, it's possible a medical problem could be causing your child to be underweight. Talk to your child's health care provider.

This BMI means your child is at an ideal weight. An ideal BMI for your child's gender and age is between and .

Having an ideal weight means the calories your child is getting from food are balanced out with his/her level of physical activity. Keep in mind, though, that some calories are nutritious and others aren't. Your child may eat the right amount of food for a healthy weight, but still not get all the nutrients needed for good overall health. That's why it's still important to encourage your child to eat nutritious foods and get plenty of exercise. Good habits learned now will last a lifetime.

This BMI means your child is at risk of being overweight. An ideal BMI for your child's gender and age is between and .

Overweight is a point at which your child's weight is no longer healthy. Although your child isn't yet overweight, work with your health care provider—and your child—to prevent this from becoming a future problem. An overweight child may develop problems with self-esteem. And doctors are finding that overweight children are developing health problems such as diabetes early in life that do not develop in children of normal weight.

Overweight children tend to become overweight adults. Being overweight as an adult increases the risk of serious diseases such as stroke, heart attack, diabetes, and arthritis. So now is the time to teach your child healthy habits that will last a lifetime.

This BMI means your child is overweight. An ideal BMI for your child's gender and age is between and .

Overweight is a point at which your child's weight is no longer healthy. An overweight child may develop problems with self-esteem. And doctors are finding that overweight children are developing health problems such as diabetes early in life that do not develop in children of normal weight.

Overweight children tend to become overweight adults. Being overweight as an adult increases the risk of serious diseases such as stroke, heart attack, diabetes, and arthritis. Now is the time to work with your healthcare provider—and your child—to develop healthy habits that will last a lifetime.