1. What is BMI for Children?

BMI (Body Mass Index) for children and teens is age- and sex-specific and is often referred to as BMI-for-age. For children, BMI is used to screen for underweight, healthy weight, overweight, and obesity.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the standard BMI formula:

Where:

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

Explanation: The result is then compared to CDC growth charts for girls to determine the weight category based on age and sex.

3. Importance of BMI Calculation

Details: BMI-for-age is the recommended indicator for screening underweight, overweight, and obesity in children and teens. It's an important tool for monitoring growth and development.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter weight in kilograms, height in meters, and age in years (2-20 years). All values must be valid (weight > 0, height > 0, age between 2-20).

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Why use BMI-for-age instead of regular BMI?
A: For children and teens, BMI is age- and sex-specific because their body composition varies as they grow and differs between boys and girls.

Q2: What are the CDC BMI categories for children?
A: Underweight (Below 5th percentile), Healthy weight (5th to 84th percentile), Overweight (85th to 94th percentile), Obese (95th percentile or higher).

Q3: When should BMI be measured in children?
A: The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends BMI screening at least annually for all children and adolescents.

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

Q5: What should I do if my child is in an unhealthy BMI category?
A: Consult with a pediatrician or healthcare provider for a complete evaluation and personalized recommendations.