1. What is BMI-for-age?

BMI-for-age is the measure used to assess weight status in children and teens aged 2-19 years. Because children's body composition varies as they age and differs between boys and girls, BMI for children is age- and sex-specific.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the standard BMI formula:

Note: For children, the BMI number is plotted on CDC growth charts to determine the corresponding BMI-for-age percentile.

3. Importance of BMI Calculation for Children

Details: BMI-for-age is the recommended measure for screening overweight and obesity in children. 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 (2-19), and select gender. For accurate results, measurements should be taken by a healthcare professional.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What do BMI percentiles mean?
A: Underweight (<5th percentile), Healthy weight (5th to <85th percentile), Overweight (85th to <95th percentile), Obese (≥95th percentile).

Q2: Why use BMI-for-age instead of regular BMI?
A: Children's body fat changes with age and differs between boys and girls. BMI-for-age accounts for these normal variations.

Q3: How often should children's BMI be checked?
A: The AAP recommends BMI screening annually for all children aged 2 years and older.

Q4: Are there limitations to BMI-for-age?
A: BMI doesn't measure body fat directly. Athletic children may have high BMI due to muscle rather than fat.

Q5: Where can I find CDC growth charts?
A: CDC growth charts are available at https://www.cdc.gov/growthcharts/