1. What is BMI-for-age?

BMI-for-age is the measure used to assess weight status in children and teens aged 2-19 years. Unlike adults, children's BMI must be interpreted relative to other children of the same age and sex using CDC 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, the calculated BMI must be plotted on the CDC growth charts to determine the BMI percentile.

3. Importance of BMI Calculation for Children

Details: BMI-for-age is the recommended measure for screening overweight and obesity in children. 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 proper technique.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Why is BMI interpreted differently for children?
A: Children's body composition varies by age and sex, so BMI must be compared to others of the same age and sex.

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

Q3: Is BMI accurate for all children?
A: BMI is a screening tool but doesn't directly measure body fat. Athletic children may have high BMI due to muscle.

Q4: How often should children's BMI be checked?
A: The AAP recommends annual BMI screening starting at age 2.

Q5: Where can I find CDC growth charts?
A: CDC growth charts are available at CDC Growth Charts.