1. What is BMI for Kids?

BMI (Body Mass Index) for children and teens is age- and sex-specific and is often referred to as BMI-for-age. In New Zealand, it's used to screen for weight categories that may lead to health problems.

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 and teens, the BMI number is plotted on the NZ growth charts to determine the BMI percentile.

3. Importance of BMI for Children

Details: BMI is an important screening tool for overweight and obesity in children. In NZ, about 1 in 3 children are overweight or obese, making regular BMI checks important for health monitoring.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Measure weight in kilograms and height in meters. For accurate results, measure height without shoes and weight with minimal clothing. The calculator is for children aged 2-18 years.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is a healthy BMI range for NZ children?
A: Healthy weight ranges vary by age and gender. Generally, BMI between the 5th and 85th percentiles is considered healthy.

Q2: How often should I check my child's BMI?
A: Annual checks are recommended, unless your healthcare provider suggests more frequent monitoring.

Q3: Where can I find NZ-specific growth charts?
A: The NZ Ministry of Health provides growth charts on their website for healthcare professionals.

Q4: What if my child's BMI is high?
A: Consult with your GP or pediatrician who can assess overall health and growth patterns.

Q5: Are there limitations to BMI for children?
A: BMI doesn't distinguish between muscle and fat, so athletic children may have higher BMIs without excess fat.