1. What is BMI for Children?

BMI (Body Mass Index) for children is a measure that adjusts for age and sex, unlike adult BMI. It compares a child's weight to their height and is plotted on growth charts to determine percentile ranking.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the standard BMI formula:

Where:

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

Note: For children, this raw BMI value must be compared to age- and sex-specific growth charts to determine percentiles.

3. Importance of BMI Calculation for Children

Details: BMI-for-age is the recommended measure for screening overweight and obesity in children aged 2-18 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 (2-18), and select gender. All values must be valid (weight > 0, height > 0, age between 2-18).

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Why is BMI different for children than adults?
A: Children's body composition varies by age and sex as they grow, so BMI must be interpreted relative to other children of the same age and sex.

Q2: What do BMI percentiles mean?
A: Below 5th percentile: underweight; 5th-85th: healthy weight; 85th-95th: overweight; 95th+: obese.

Q3: When should BMI be measured in children?
A: The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends BMI screening 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, so athletic children may have high BMI without excess fat.

Q5: What should I do if my child's BMI is concerning?
A: Consult with a pediatrician who can perform additional assessments and provide guidance.