1. What is BMI?

Body Mass Index (BMI) is a simple index of weight-for-height that is commonly used to classify underweight, overweight and obesity in 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 kilograms
• \( height \) — Height in meters

Note: For children and teens, BMI is interpreted relative to age and sex-specific percentiles.

3. Importance of BMI Calculation

Details: BMI screening is important for identifying potential weight problems in children and teens. However, it is not a diagnostic tool and should be followed up with additional assessments.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter weight in kilograms, height in meters, and age in years (2-19). For accurate results, measurements should be taken with minimal clothing and no shoes.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Why is BMI different for children?
A: Children's body composition varies with age and sex, so BMI must be interpreted relative to growth charts specific to age and gender.

Q2: What are the BMI categories for Filipino children?
A: The calculator uses adapted categories: Underweight (<18.5), Normal (18.5-22.9), Overweight (23-27.4), Obese (≥27.5).

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

Q4: Are there limitations to BMI?
A: BMI doesn't distinguish between muscle and fat, and may not accurately reflect body composition in very muscular or very short children.

Q5: How often should BMI be checked in children?
A: Annual BMI screening is recommended for children aged 2 years and older.