1. What is BMI for Children?

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

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the standard BMI formula adjusted for children:

Where:

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

Note: For children, the calculated BMI must be plotted on age- and sex-specific growth charts to determine the percentile.

3. Importance of BMI Calculation for Children

Details: Regular BMI monitoring helps identify potential weight problems in children. It's used to screen for underweight, healthy weight, overweight, and obesity.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter weight in kilograms, height in meters, age in years (2-20), and select gender. For accurate results, measure height and weight using proper equipment.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is a healthy BMI for children?
A: Healthy BMI ranges vary by age and gender. Typically between 5th and 85th percentiles on growth charts.

Q2: How often should children's BMI be checked?
A: Annually is recommended, or more frequently if weight concerns exist.

Q3: Why is BMI different for children than adults?
A: Children's body fat changes with growth and differs between boys and girls.

Q4: What if my child's BMI is high?
A: Consult a healthcare provider who can evaluate growth patterns and other factors.

Q5: 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.