1. What is BMI for Children?

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

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the standard BMI formula:

Where:

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

Explanation: The result must then be plotted on a growth chart or compared to age- and sex-specific percentiles to determine if the child's weight is healthy.

3. Importance of BMI Calculation

Details: BMI-for-age is the recommended screening tool for overweight and obesity in children aged 2-20 years. 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 (2-20), and select gender. For accurate results, measurements should be taken with minimal clothing and no shoes.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What do BMI percentiles mean for children?
A: Below 5th percentile = underweight; 5th-85th = healthy weight; 85th-95th = overweight; Above 95th = obese.

Q2: Why is BMI different for children than adults?
A: Children's body fat changes with age and differs between boys and girls, so their BMI needs age and sex context.

Q3: When should I be concerned about my child's BMI?
A: If consistently below 5th or above 85th percentile, or if there's rapid change in percentile ranking.

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

Q5: What's next after calculating BMI?
A: Consult a healthcare provider who can plot the BMI on growth charts and assess overall health and development.