1. What is BMI for Children and Adolescents?

BMI-for-age is a screening tool that assesses whether a child or adolescent has a healthy weight for their height, age, and sex. Unlike adult BMI, children's BMI is interpreted relative to growth charts that account for normal growth patterns.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the standard BMI formula:

Where:

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

Explanation: The result should be interpreted using age- and sex-specific growth charts from CDC or WHO.

3. Importance of BMI Calculation

Details: BMI-for-age helps identify children who are underweight, healthy weight, overweight, or obese. Early identification allows for timely intervention and healthy lifestyle promotion.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter weight in kg, height in meters, age in years (2-19), and select gender. For accurate results, measure height and weight using standardized methods.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: How is children's BMI different from adult BMI?
A: Children's BMI is plotted on growth charts specific to age and sex, as their body composition changes with growth.

Q2: What BMI percentile ranges indicate?
A: Underweight (<5th), Healthy weight (5th-85th), Overweight (85th-95th), Obese (≥95th percentile).

Q3: When should BMI be measured in children?
A: The AAP recommends annual BMI screening starting at age 2.

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

Q5: What should I do if my child's BMI is concerning?
A: Consult a pediatrician for further evaluation. They may assess growth patterns, diet, activity levels, and other health indicators.