Locations:
Search IconSearch

My Child Has a Solid Build — Should I Worry About Her Weight?

The short answer from a pediatrician

Parents playing outside with their children

Q: My child has a sturdy build — should I worry about her weight?

A: Weight becomes a concern only if a child’s body mass index (BMI) is high. Children with sturdy builds may not be at risk of health problems if their BMI is within normal range and their diet and exercise patterns are healthy. Also, some kids who are very muscular athletes may have a falsely elevated BMI.

Advertisement

Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. Policy

Your child’s pediatrician can help determine his or her BMI. To calculate the BMI, we take into account the child’s weight in relationship to their height, then we plot it as compared with other children’s BMIs worldwide. If the BMI is over the 95th percentile, the child is considered to have obesity.

All children should have a yearly physical with their primary care physician to make sure they are following healthy habits and are not at risk for health problems as adults. In evaluating a child’s health, we also evaluate diet and exercise patterns, and ask about family history of heart disease, fatty liver, diabetes or obesity.

The bottom line: If you are at all worried about your child’s weight, I encourage you to speak to your pediatrician.

—Pediatrician Richard So, MD​

Advertisement

Learn more about our editorial process.

Related Articles

Children in kindergarten playing and sharing toys
March 24, 2025/Children's Health
Is Sharing Always Caring? How To Encourage Your Kids To Share

Teaching kids how to share at the appropriate age can help them develop social skills and manage their emotions

Dad driving tractor, removing obstacles with large plow for small boy who walks behind with backpack
March 13, 2025/Parenting
How Snowplow Parenting Gets in the Way of a Child’s Future Self

By disrupting a child’s ability to think and act for themselves, snowplow parents run the risk of delaying their child’s ability to learn

Adult having a serious talk with a child in living room on a couch
December 20, 2024/Children's Health
How To Talk to Kids About Your (or Another Loved One’s) Serious Illness

It’s important to share the news in an honest and age-appropriate way and to open the lines of communication going forward

Tossled teen sleeping in bed, with pillow and blanket
November 1, 2024/Children's Health
Here’s How Many Hours Teens Should Sleep

The need for sleep often takes a back seat for teens, but they need eight to 10 hours of sleep to stay mentally healthy, strengthen their brains and prevent injury

Young child at home, with space helmet on, sitting in cardboard box, coloring on the box
October 2, 2024/Children's Health
Is It OK for Kids To Have Imaginary Friends?

Creating a pal in their mind can help children learn social skills, overcome fears and build creativity

Young toddler having an eye examine
August 9, 2024/Eye Care
Eye Spy: Why You Should Test Your Preschooler’s Vision Early

Genetic eye diseases and other conditions that impact your vision can develop in infancy and improve with early treatment

Caregiver and child eating pizza together
June 3, 2024/Children's Health
Lasting Impact: The Long-Term Effects of Childhood Obesity

Early weight gain can lead to health issues like heart disease, diabetes and cancer

Three sick babies crying amidst toys and baby items
April 18, 2024/Children's Health
How To Keep Your Kids Healthy When They Go to Daycare

You can help strengthen your child’s immune system by focusing on hand washing and staying up-to-date on their vaccines

Trending Topics

Person in bed sleeping on their side, covers off
Breathing Problems? Try These Sleep Positions

If you’re feeling short of breath, sleep can be tough — propping yourself up or sleeping on your side may help

A couple looking at skyline, with one person slightly behind the other, head bent down
What Is Anxious Attachment Style — and Do You Have It?

If you fear the unknown or find yourself needing reassurance often, you may identify with this attachment style

Glasses and bottle of yellow-colored prebiotic soda, with mint, lemon and ginger garnish
Are Prebiotic Sodas Good for You?

If you’re looking to boost your gut health, it’s better to get fiber from whole foods

Ad