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 fatness changes as they grow, so BMI for children is compared to growth charts.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the standard BMI formula:

Where:

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

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

3. Importance of BMI Calculation

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

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter weight in kg, height in meters, age in years (2-19), and select gender. For accurate results, measurements should be taken carefully.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Why is BMI different for children than adults?
A: Children's body composition varies by age and sex, so their BMI must be compared against growth charts specific to their demographic.

Q2: What do the percentiles mean?
A: Percentiles show how a child's BMI compares to others of the same age and sex. Below 5th: underweight; 5th-85th: healthy weight; 85th-95th: overweight; 95th+: obese.

Q3: When should I be concerned about my child's BMI?
A: Consult a healthcare provider if your child is below the 5th percentile or above the 85th percentile.

Q4: Are there limitations to BMI for children?
A: BMI doesn't directly measure body fat and may be misleading for very muscular children or those with certain medical conditions.

Q5: How often should my child's BMI be checked?
A: Annual BMI checks are recommended as part of routine health visits.