Is Your Child At Risk for Being Overweight?

Health Quizzes

American kids are heavier than ever. And being overweight as a kid increases the chances your child will be overweight or even obese when he/she grows up.

This risk is evaluated by using your child�s Body Mass Index (BMI). Body Mass Index (BMI) is a number calculated from a child�s weight and height. BMI is a reliable indicator of body fatness for most children and teens. After BMI is figured, your doctor will chart your child on the BMI-for-age charts, these are much like the charts doctors use to evaluate how your child is growing. This will tell the doctor your child�s percentile for BMI, or the relative position of the child�s BMI number among children of the same sex and age.

Overweight for children and adolescents is defined as falling in the 95th percentile or above of Body Mass Index (BMI). If you child falls in the 85th to less than the 95th percentile, he/she is considered at risk of being overweight.

The following quiz is by no means definitive. But it can send up a warning flag that your child is at risk for obesity and all the health and social problems associated with this chronic disease. It is important to express any concerns you might have about your child's weight to your child�s doctor.

After you’ve finished answering the following questions, click "Done" to find out your results.

Are you overweight or obese?
Yes No

Is your child's other parent overweight or obese?
Yes No

Does being overweight or obesity occur in other family members?
Yes No

Is your child overweight compared with his or her peers?
Yes No

Does your child eat four or more cookies a day?
Yes No

Does your child drink soft drinks with most meals?
Yes No

Does your child spend more than two hours a day watching television?
Yes No

Does your child eat high-fat meals, such as french fries, hamburgers and ice cream, five or more times per week?
Yes No

Does your child frequently snack on chips or other high-fat junk food between meals?
Yes No

Does your child eat snacks while watching television?
Yes No

Does your child eat candy every day?
Yes No

Does your child get 20 to 30 minutes of physical activity at least five times a week?
Yes No

Sources:

National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute

National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases

American Obesity Association

This screening assessment was reviewed and updated June 2007.

Mon, Oct 13, 2008



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