1. What is BMI-for-age?

BMI-for-age is a measure that accounts for a child's age and sex when assessing their body mass index. For children, BMI is interpreted relative to other children of the same age and sex, rather than using the standard adult BMI categories.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the standard BMI formula adjusted for children's growth patterns:

Where:

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

Explanation: The result is compared to growth charts to determine the child's percentile for their age and sex.

3. Importance of BMI Calculation for Children

Details: BMI-for-age is the recommended measure for screening overweight and obesity in children aged 2-19 years. It helps identify potential weight problems that may lead to health issues.

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: What do the percentile ranges mean?
A: Below 5th percentile = underweight; 5th-85th = healthy weight; 85th-95th = overweight; 95th+ = obese.

Q2: Why is BMI interpreted differently for children?
A: Children's body composition varies by age and sex as they grow, so adult BMI categories don't apply.

Q3: How often should children's BMI be checked?
A: The AAP recommends annual BMI screening for all children aged 2+ years.

Q4: Are there limitations to BMI-for-age?
A: It may overestimate body fat in muscular children and doesn't account for body fat distribution.

Q5: What should I do if my child's BMI is concerning?
A: Consult with a pediatrician who can perform additional assessments and provide guidance.