Young Age Weight Lose

Body mass index categories for children and teens are based on sex and age specific body mass index percentiles.

Versus body mass index categories for adults are based on just body mass index only.

As far as BMI category goes,
Underweight is considered, BMI percentile less than 5th percentile.
Healthy weight is 5th percentile to less than 85th percentile, Overweight is considered 85th percentile to less than 95th percentile.
Obesity is 95th percentile or greater.

Severe obesity considered 120% of the 95th percentile or greater or 35 kg/m2 or greater.

For an example, if a 10-year-old boy who is 54.5 inches tall, which is 50th percentile of height and his weight is 96 pounds, would have a BMI of 22.5 kg/m2.

Placing him at the 96th percentile for his age and sex, which is in the obesity category.

This means that the boy’s BMI is greater than the BMI of 96th percentile of a 10-year-old boy in the reference population.

So, having a high BMI for age percentile in pediatric age group is associated with Clinical risk factor:

-Cardiovascular disease including high cholesterol
-High blood pressure

And other chronic conditions,

So, overweight or obesity is a complex situation where the individual weight is higher than what is considerably healthy for his or her height.

Obesity, overweight affects children and grown-ups also.

Why & How the young age weight loss can be done?

Weight loss at a young age can occur for various reasons, and it’s essential to approach it with caution and consideration for the individual’s health and well-being. If your child is experiencing weight loss or if you are concerned about someone who is, here are some potential causes and considerations:
  1. Normal growth and development: During periods of rapid growth, such as puberty, it's common for young individuals to experience fluctuations in weight and body composition. As long as there are no signs of malnutrition or other health issues, these changes can be considered normal.
  2. Increased physical activity: Engaging in sports, increased physical activity, or a more active lifestyle can lead to weight loss, especially if it's combined with healthy eating habits.
  3. Changes in eating habits: Adolescence is a time when eating patterns may shift due to social influences, lifestyle changes, or individual preferences. Sometimes, these changes can result in weight loss.
  1. Stress and mental health: Stress, anxiety, or other mental health issues can affect appetite and eating habits, leading to weight loss. It's essential to address any underlying emotional concerns.
  2. Illness or medical conditions: Certain medical conditions, such as thyroid disorders, diabetes, gastrointestinal issues, or eating disorders, can lead to unintentional weight loss in young individuals. If you notice significant or sudden weight loss, it's crucial to consult a healthcare professional to rule out any underlying health issues.
  1. Unhealthy weight loss practices: Sometimes, young individuals may engage in unhealthy weight loss practices, such as crash dieting, excessive exercising, or skipping meals, which can be harmful to their health.
Remember, weight loss should not be pursued at the expense of overall health and well-being. It’s crucial to promote healthy eating habits, regular physical activity, and a positive body image for individuals of all ages.

And there are many factors which contribute to excess weight gain including,

  • Eating patterns
  • Physical activity levels
  • Sleep routine

Eating patterns:

Healthy eating emphasizes
  • A variety of vegetables and fruits
  • The whole grains
  • A variety of lean protein foods
  • Low fat and fat-free dietary products
  • It also limits foods and beverages with added sugars, solid fats, or sodium.

Physical activity:

The guidelines are Children from age 3 to 5 should be physically active throughout the day.

Children age 6 to 17 need at least 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity every day.

And adults need 150 minutes of moderate intensity physical activity a week.

Sleep routine:

  • Newborns need 14 to 17 hours of sleep per day
  • That amount decreases with the age
  • Teenagers need 8 to 10 hours of sleep per day
  • The adults need 7 hours or more hours of sleep per day.
  • Breastfeeding is the best source of nutrition for most infants
It can reduce the risk for certain health conditions for both infants and mothers.