1. What is BMI for Children?

BMI (Body Mass Index) for children is a measure that adjusts for age and sex, as children's body composition varies as they grow. Unlike adults, children's BMI is compared to growth charts to determine percentiles.

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 age- and sex-specific growth charts to determine the percentile.

3. Importance of BMI Calculation for Children

Details: Tracking BMI-for-age helps identify children at risk for weight-related health problems. It can indicate underweight, healthy weight, overweight, or obesity based on percentiles.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter weight in kg, height in meters, age in years (2-18), and select gender. For accurate results, measure height and weight using proper techniques.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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

Q2: Why is BMI different for children than adults?
A: Children's body composition changes with growth, so age and sex must be considered.

Q3: How often should children's BMI be checked?
A: Annually is typical, but more frequently if weight concerns exist.

Q4: Are there limitations to BMI for children?
A: BMI doesn't distinguish between fat and muscle mass. Athletic children may have high BMI without excess fat.

Q5: Where can I find growth charts?
A: The NHS and CDC provide BMI-for-age growth charts for clinical use.