@article{ec0148551066425aa92fc769e6193b3c,
title = "Measurement and Interpretation of Body Mass Index During Childhood and Adolescence",
abstract = "The landscape of childhood health and disease has changed over the past century, and school nurses are now in a unique position to address the conditions that lead to chronic disease, such as obesity. Measuring body mass index (BMI) during childhood and adolescence is the recommended method for screening and/or monitoring obesity in school communities. Yet changes in the size, proportion, and distribution of fat mass and fat-free mass during growth and development introduce challenges to interpreting BMI measurements. Understanding these challenges and ensuring accurate measurement techniques are the foundation for implementing school-based BMI measurement programs. This article will provide an overview of body composition during childhood and adolescence, introduce strategies to improve the accuracy of BMI measurements, and explore the school nurse{\textquoteright}s role in BMI surveillance and/or screening activities.",
keywords = "BMI, health/wellness, obesity, screening/risk identification",
author = "Malone, {Susan Kohl} and Zemel, {Babette S.}",
note = "Funding Information: School-based BMI measurement programs can be a cost-effective and efficient means of screening for overweight/obesity in youth. Understanding the limitations of BMI measurements for assessing fat mass can assist the school nurse in interpreting the meaning of BMI results. Establishing evidence-based policies for school-based BMI screening/surveillance programs, improving the accuracy of BMI measurements by properly training the necessary staff, using proper measurement techniques, and avoiding improper or poorly calibrated equipment will enhance the quality of these programs. Declaration of Conflicting Interests The author(s) declared no potential conflicts of interest with respect to the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article. Funding The author(s) disclosed the following financial support for the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article: Rockefeller University, 2014 Heilbrunn Nurse Scholar Award. Publisher Copyright: {\textcopyright} 2014, {\textcopyright} The Author(s) 2014.",
year = "2015",
month = aug,
day = "21",
doi = "10.1177/1059840514548801",
language = "English (US)",
volume = "31",
pages = "261--271",
journal = "Journal of School Nursing",
issn = "1059-8405",
publisher = "SAGE Publications Inc.",
number = "4",
}