1. What is BMI for Children?

BMI (Body Mass Index) for children is a measure that adjusts for age and gender, unlike adult BMI. It compares a child's weight to their height and shows how their BMI compares with other children of the same age and gender.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the standard BMI formula adjusted for children:

Where:

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

Note: For children, the BMI number is plotted on growth charts to determine the BMI percentile which indicates how the child's BMI compares with others of the same age and gender.

3. Importance of BMI Calculation

Details: BMI-for-age is the recommended measure for screening 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 is a healthy BMI for children?
A: Healthy weight is BMI between 5th to 85th percentile for age and gender. Below 5th is underweight, 85th-95th is overweight, and above 95th is obese.

Q2: Why is BMI different for children than adults?
A: Children's body composition varies with age and differs between boys and girls, so BMI must be interpreted relative to peers of the same age and gender.

Q3: How often should children's BMI be checked?
A: The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends BMI screening annually from age 2.

Q4: Are there limitations to BMI for children?
A: BMI doesn't distinguish between fat and muscle, so athletic children may have high BMI without excess fat. It's a screening tool, not a diagnostic.

Q5: What should I do if my child's BMI is high?
A: Consult a healthcare provider who can assess growth patterns, diet, activity level, and other health indicators to determine if intervention is needed.