BMI Formula:
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BMI (Body Mass Index) for children and teens is age- and sex-specific. For 12-year-olds, BMI percentiles are used to assess weight status relative to others of the same age and gender.
The calculator uses the standard BMI formula:
Where:
Note: For children, the calculated BMI should be plotted on a growth chart to determine the percentile.
Details: BMI-for-age is the recommended indicator of weight status for children and teens. It helps identify potential weight problems that may lead to health issues.
Tips: Enter weight in kilograms, height in meters, and select gender. All values must be valid (weight > 0, height > 0).
Q1: What is a healthy BMI for a 12-year-old?
A: Healthy BMI ranges vary by age and gender. Generally, BMI between 5th and 85th percentile is considered healthy weight.
Q2: How is BMI different for children than adults?
A: Children's BMI is interpreted relative to other children of the same age and sex, using percentile rankings rather than fixed categories.
Q3: When should I be concerned about my child's BMI?
A: Consult a pediatrician if BMI is below 5th percentile (underweight) or above 85th percentile (overweight/obese).
Q4: Are there limitations to BMI for children?
A: BMI doesn't distinguish between fat and muscle mass. Athletic children may have higher BMI due to muscle rather than fat.
Q5: Where can I find BMI-for-age growth charts?
A: CDC provides growth charts at https://www.cdc.gov/growthcharts/.