For a child aged 6-11 years in the 95th to 99th percentile BMI, what is the recommended rate of weight loss?

For a child aged 6-11 years in the 95th to 99th percentile BMI, what is the recommended rate of weight loss?

• A. 1 lb per month
• B. 2 lbs per week
• C. 0.5 kg per month
• D. Weight maintenance until BMI <85th percentile

Answer: (A)

When managing weight in children, the goal is slow, steady change that supports normal growth. For a child aged 6–11 with a BMI in the 95th–99th percentile, the recommended pace of weight loss is about one pound per month. This small, gradual change lets the child grow taller and ensures nutrition isn’t compromised while families adopt sustainable healthy-habit changes. Rates like two pounds per week are too rapid for kids and can interfere with growth, and waiting to see BMI dip below the 85th percentile delays health benefits. A pace near half a kilogram per month is similar in magnitude, but guidelines commonly state about one pound per month for clarity in this age group.