1. What is BMI for Children?

BMI (Body Mass Index) for children is a measure that adjusts for age and gender, unlike adult BMI. It compares a child's weight to their height and plots it on growth charts to determine their percentile among children of the same age and gender.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the standard BMI formula:

Where:

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

Note: For children, the raw BMI number must be interpreted using age- and gender-specific percentile charts.

3. Importance of BMI Calculation for Children

Details: Tracking BMI-for-age helps identify potential weight problems in children. It can indicate underweight, healthy weight, overweight, or obesity, which is important for preventing health issues.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter weight in kilograms, height in meters, age in years (2-18), and select gender. For accurate results, measurements should be taken with minimal clothing and no shoes.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What do BMI percentiles mean for children?
A: Underweight (<5th percentile), Healthy weight (5th-85th), Overweight (85th-95th), Obese (≥95th percentile).

Q2: Why is BMI different for children than adults?
A: Children's body composition changes as they grow, and BMI must account for normal differences between boys and girls at various ages.

Q3: How often should my child's BMI be checked?
A: The NHS recommends annual checks as part of routine health assessments.

Q4: Are there limitations to BMI for children?
A: BMI doesn't distinguish between muscle and fat, so athletic children may show higher BMI without excess fat.

Q5: Where can I plot my child's BMI percentile?
A: NHS growth charts or digital tools can plot your child's BMI against UK reference data.