Cdc Bmi Calculator For Teens And Children Age

BMI Formula:

\[ BMI = \frac{weight}{height^2} \]

Weight:

Height:

meters

Age:

years

Gender:

BMI Result:

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1. What is BMI for Children and Teens?

BMI (Body Mass Index) is a screening tool for weight categories in children and teens aged 2-19 years. For this age group, 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:

\[ BMI = \frac{weight\ (kg)}{height^2\ (m^2)} \]

Where:

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

Note: For children and teens, the BMI number must be plotted on CDC growth charts to determine the BMI-for-age percentile.

3. Importance of BMI Calculation

Details: BMI-for-age is the recommended measure for screening overweight and obesity in children and teens. It's a reliable indicator of body fatness for most children.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter weight in kilograms, height in meters, age in years (2-19), and select gender. All values must be valid (weight > 0, height > 0, age between 2-19).

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Why is BMI interpreted differently for children?
A: Children's body composition varies as they grow, so BMI must be compared against age- and sex-specific standards.

Q2: What do the percentile results mean?
A: Underweight (<5th), Healthy weight (5th-85th), Overweight (85th-95th), Obese (≥95th).

Q3: How often should BMI be calculated for children?
A: The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends annual BMI screening from age 2.

Q4: Are there limitations to BMI for children?
A: BMI doesn't measure body fat directly and may misclassify muscular children or those with different body compositions.

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