Keywords

Body mass index, BMI, Obesity, Overweight, Children, Adolescents

 

Authors

  1. Bernardo, Lisa Marie PhD, MPH, RN
  2. Crane, Patricia A. PhD, MSN, RNC, CRNP

Abstract

With an increase in the prevalence of overweight and obese youth, practitioners who provide healthcare for children may benefit from the acquisition of knowledge in additional clinical skills, such as calculating and using body mass index-for-age. Coupled with current health screening measures and wellness counseling for children and their families, nurses as healthcare advocates may be able to initiate maximization of health and well-being after discharge.