The very definition of obesity is controversial. Some people measure it by using a standard growth chart to compare a child with other children of the same age. Others use a ratio of the body weight and the height of the child. In addition, there are more sophisticated methods of measuring the percentage of body fat. The bottom line is that there is no single guideline that can determine whether a child's weight is healthy. Multiple factors must be considered simultaneously to determine the ideal weight for your child.

The Fallacy of the Growth Chart

Using weight alone as a criterion to decide whether someone is overweight is clearly flawed. Many people focus too much on weight and neglect to consider other factors that determine whether someone is healthy. It's misleading to use weight as the only criterion for judging your child's health.

It is also dangerous to use the absolute weight to figure out how much overweight your child is compared to the average. Using this weight difference is a bad idea for many reasons. First of all, your child may be heavier because she is taller, and it would not be a good idea for her to weigh the same as someone of average height.

Secondly, it is unhealthy and dangerous for a growing child to lose weight to match an ideal body weight. A child's body is genetically programmed to grow and gain weight. Going against this tendency is detrimental to the health.

If a child is determined to be unhealthily overweight, the best thing to do is to maintain the current weight as much as possible and have her grow into her weight. As she grows taller, she will naturally attain her ideal body weight.

The Body Mass Index

The body mass index (BMI) is one of the most helpful tools for screening children for being overweight, but it's by no means perfect. Used incorrectly, it can be misinterpreted and abused. After determining your child's BMI, it must be interpreted by a physician or dietician according to your child's age and overall health condition. Two children with the exact same BMI can have different risks of being overweight because their age and growth stage are different.

BMI can be misleading in many circumstances. For example, a professional shot-putter or boxer typically has a BMI that is much higher than the standard threshold for obesity. However, common sense can tell you that these athletes are more than fit. What skews the index is the above-average lean body mass in these individuals.

The BMI alone is insufficient to paint an accurate picture of the overall health status for a child. When it comes to determining your child's healthy weight, pediatricians factor many things into consideration, including the age of the child, past medical history, current nutritional status, height and lean body mass, and other medical conditions that might influence weight. It is no simple matter. If you have any concern about your child's weight, bring it to the attention of your pediatrician or a dietician. Either of these health professionals will be glad to evaluate your child and address your questions.

Baby Fat

Many parents believe it is okay for toddlers to be chubby. The term “baby fat” is often used to justify an overweight child. The complacency that comes with this type of thinking is dangerous. If your child is older than 18 months and his weight is significantly high relative to his height, your child may be at risk for becoming an overweight adult.

If you are unsure about whether the weight is excessive, talk to your pediatrician. While it is important to monitor your child's weight, you have to make the distinction between a chubby child and a chubby baby. The age of the child is paramount when it comes to evaluating obesity.

If your toddler is over the age of eighteen months and appears overweight to you, do not dismiss it by thinking that it's just baby fat. Ask your pediatrician to evaluate your child to make sure that he is not overweight and unhealthy. Do it as soon as possible before the problem becomes a bigger one.