1. What is BMI?

Body Mass Index (BMI) is a measure of body fat based on height and weight that applies to adults and children. For children and teens, BMI is age- and sex-specific and is often referred to as BMI-for-age.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the standard BMI formula:

Where:

• \( weight \) — Body weight in pounds (lb)
• \( height \) — Height in inches (in)

Note: This calculator is specifically designed for children under 2 feet (24 inches) tall.

3. Importance of BMI Calculation

Details: BMI is an important screening tool to identify possible weight problems in children. However, it is not a diagnostic tool and should be followed up with further assessments.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter weight in pounds and height in inches. For accurate results, measure height without shoes and weight with minimal clothing.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Why is BMI different for children?
A: Children's body composition changes as they grow, and BMI must be interpreted relative to other children of the same age and sex.

Q2: What is a healthy BMI range for children?
A: Healthy BMI ranges vary by age and sex. A pediatrician can provide growth charts to interpret the BMI percentile.

Q3: When should I be concerned about my child's BMI?
A: If your child's BMI is below the 5th percentile or above the 85th percentile for their age and sex, consult a pediatrician.

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

Q5: How often should I check my child's BMI?
A: Pediatricians typically check BMI at annual well-child visits. More frequent monitoring may be needed if there are weight concerns.