Final answer:
Ryan's body mass index can be calculated using the standard formula, which requires his weight and height. His BMI will then be compared to pediatric charts to determine the weight category. Childhood obesity is a major health concern and can lead to serious health issues.
Step-by-step explanation:
Ryan's body mass index (BMI) can be calculated using his weight and height. BMI is a measure used to evaluate whether a person has an appropriate body weight for their height. It's a common method for screening for weight categories that may lead to health issues. To determine Ryan's BMI, the formula for BMI in children, which is the same as for adults, is used: weight in pounds divided by height in inches squared, all multiplied by 703. For Ryan, we calculate as follows: (56 lbs / (46 in x 46 in)) x 703, giving us a BMI value. This value is then compared to a pediatric BMI chart to determine if Ryan is within a healthy range.
Childhood obesity is a significant concern as it can lead to health issues including type 2 diabetes and heart disease. It is defined as having a body weight at least 20 percent higher than a healthy weight for a child of that height. This situation seems to be a distressing trend as the tendency of children today to weigh more than children of earlier generations may contribute to an increased prevalence of obesity.