Child And Teen Bmi Calculator Widget Bmi Cdc Printable

BMI Formula:

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

Weight:

Height:

meters

Age:

years

Gender:

BMI Result:

Unit Converter ▲

Unit Converter ▼

From:	To:

1. What is BMI for Children and Teens?

BMI (Body Mass Index) is a screening tool for overweight and obesity in children and teens aged 2-19 years. For children, BMI is age- and sex-specific and is often referred to as BMI-for-age. Unlike adults, children's BMI must be compared against growth charts.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the standard BMI formula:

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

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 most commonly used indicator to screen for underweight, healthy weight, overweight, and obesity in children and teens. It's an important tool for identifying potential weight problems.

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 with proper equipment.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Why is BMI different for children than adults?
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 ranges mean?
A: Underweight (<5th), Healthy weight (5th-85th), Overweight (85th-95th), Obese (≥95th percentile).

Q3: Is BMI accurate for all children?
A: BMI is a screening tool, not a diagnostic. Athletic children may have high BMI due to muscle, not fat.

Q4: How often should children's BMI be checked?
A: The AAP recommends annual BMI screening from age 2.

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