1. What is BMI for Children?

BMI (Body Mass Index) for children is a measure that adjusts weight for height and compares it to growth charts for children of the same age and sex. Unlike adult BMI, children's BMI is age- and sex-specific.

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, this raw BMI value must then be compared to age- and sex-specific growth charts to determine the percentile.

3. Importance of BMI Calculation

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, and select gender. For accurate results, measurements should be taken with minimal clothing and no shoes.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: How is children's BMI different from adults?
A: Children's BMI is interpreted relative to other children of the same age and sex, using percentile charts rather than fixed categories.

Q2: What are the BMI percentile categories for children?
A: Underweight (<5th percentile), Healthy weight (5th-85th), Overweight (85th-95th), Obese (≥95th percentile).

Q3: When should I be concerned about my child's BMI?
A: Consult a healthcare provider if your child is below the 5th percentile or above the 85th percentile.

Q4: Are there limitations to BMI for children?
A: BMI doesn't distinguish between fat and muscle mass. Athletic children may have high BMI due to muscle rather than fat.

Q5: How often should children's BMI be checked?
A: Annual BMI checks are recommended for children aged 2 years and older as part of routine health assessments.