1. What is BMI for Children?

BMI-for-age is the measure used to assess weight status in children and teens aged 2-18 years. Unlike adults, children's BMI is age- and sex-specific because their body composition varies as they grow.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the standard BMI formula:

Where:

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

Explanation: For children, the BMI value is plotted on gender-specific growth charts to determine the percentile for age.

3. Importance of BMI Calculation

Details: BMI-for-age helps identify children who are underweight, healthy weight, overweight, or obese. It's an important screening tool for potential weight-related health problems.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter weight in kilograms, height in meters, age in years (2-18), 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 different for children than adults?
A: Children's body fat changes with age and differs between boys and girls, so BMI must be considered relative to other children of the same age and sex.

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

Q3: Is BMI accurate for all children?
A: BMI is a good screening tool but may not reflect body fatness in very muscular children or those with certain medical conditions.

Q4: How often should children's BMI be checked?
A: The Australian guidelines recommend BMI assessment at least once per year as part of routine health checks.

Q5: What should I do if my child's BMI is high?
A: Consult with a healthcare provider for a comprehensive assessment. They may consider other factors like growth patterns and family history.