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 shows how their BMI compares to other children of the same age and gender.

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 raw BMI number must be plotted on a gender-specific BMI-for-age growth chart to determine the percentile.

3. Importance of BMI Calculation

Details: BMI-for-age is the recommended screening tool for 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. For accurate results, measure height and weight without shoes and heavy clothing.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What do BMI percentiles mean for children?
A: Below 5th percentile = underweight; 5th to 85th = healthy weight; 85th to 95th = overweight; 95th and above = obese.

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 children's BMI be checked?
A: The NHS recommends annual BMI checks for children aged 2-18 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 have high BMI without excess fat. It's a screening tool, not a diagnostic.

Q5: Where can I plot my child's BMI percentile?
A: NHS growth charts or online percentile calculators can show where your child's BMI falls compared to others their age and gender.