1. What is BMI for Children?

BMI for children and teens is age- and sex-specific and is often referred to as BMI-for-age. Unlike adults, children's body composition varies as they age and between boys and girls, so their BMI needs to be compared against growth charts.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the standard BMI formula:

Where:

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

Note: For children, this raw BMI value must then be plotted on CDC growth charts to determine the BMI percentile.

3. Importance of BMI Calculation

Details: BMI-for-age is the recommended indicator 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: Why is BMI interpreted differently for children?
A: Children's body fatness changes with age and differs between boys and girls, so BMI must be compared against age- and sex-specific standards.

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

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

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/clinical_charts.htm