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Body Mass Index (BMI) Screenings

Body Mass Index (BMI) is a number calculated from a person's weight and height. BMI provides a reliable indicator of body fatness for most people and is used to screen for weight categories that may lead to health problems.

Florida schools are required to do BMI screenings for students in grades 1, 3, and 6. Some schools elect to do an additional screening for students in grade 9.

To calculate your child's BMI use the following formula:
Weight (lb) ÷ height (in) ÷ height (in) x 703

or use the CDC's BMI calculator

What your results mean:

If your child's BMI is less than or equal to 5% on the CDC graph your child is considered to be below average weight for his height and age.

If your child's BMI is greater then or equal to 95% on the CDC graph your child is at increased risk for chronic diseases such as diabetes. Additional risk factors such as a family history of high blood pressure, or high cholesterol may increase risk.

Note: Results do not take into account muscle mass or bone structure. It is solely based on numbers obtained from height, weight, and age.