1. What is BMI for Children?

BMI (Body Mass Index) for children and teens is calculated the same way as for adults, but the interpretation is different. For children, BMI is age- and sex-specific and is often referred to as BMI-for-age. The CDC provides growth charts to interpret BMI values for children.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the standard BMI formula:

Where:

• \( weight \) — Body weight in kilograms
• \( height \) — Height in meters

Note: While the calculation is the same for all ages, interpretation for children requires comparison to CDC growth charts based on age and gender.

3. Importance of BMI Calculation

Details: BMI-for-age is the recommended indicator for screening for overweight and obesity in children and teens. It's a reliable indicator of body fatness for most children and teens.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter weight in kilograms, height in meters, age in years (2-19), and select gender. For accurate results, measurements should be taken with minimal clothing and no shoes.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Why is BMI interpreted differently for children?
A: Children's body composition varies as they grow, and between boys and girls. BMI-for-age accounts for these differences.

Q2: What are the BMI categories for children?
A: CDC defines: Underweight (<5th percentile), Healthy weight (5th-85th percentile), Overweight (85th-95th percentile), Obese (≥95th percentile).

Q3: When should BMI be measured in children?
A: The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends BMI screening annually from age 2.

Q4: Are there limitations to BMI for children?
A: BMI doesn't distinguish between fat and muscle mass. Athletic children may have high BMI without excess fat.

Q5: Where can I find CDC growth charts?
A: CDC growth charts are available at: https://www.cdc.gov/growthcharts/