1. What is BMI?

Body Mass Index (BMI) is a measure that uses height and weight to work out if a person's weight is healthy. For children and teens, 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:

Where:

• \( weight \) — Weight in kilograms (kg)
• \( height \) — Height in meters (m)

Explanation: The formula calculates body mass divided by the square of height. For children, the result is compared against age- and sex-specific growth charts.

3. Importance of BMI Calculation for Children

Details: BMI-for-age is the recommended measure for assessing weight status in children and teens. 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 (2-18), and select gender. Measurements should be as accurate as possible for reliable results.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: How is child BMI different from adult BMI?
A: Child BMI is interpreted relative to other children of the same age and sex, using percentile growth charts rather than fixed categories.

Q2: What are the BMI categories for children?
A: Underweight (<5th percentile), Healthy weight (5th-85th), Overweight (85th-95th), Obese (>95th percentile).

Q3: When should I be concerned about my child's BMI?
A: If your child's BMI is below the 5th percentile or above the 85th percentile, consult a healthcare professional.

Q4: Are there limitations to BMI for children?
A: BMI doesn't distinguish between fat and muscle mass. Athletic children may have high BMI due to muscle rather than fat.

Q5: How often should I check my child's BMI?
A: Regular checks (e.g., annually) can help track growth patterns, but avoid excessive focus on weight alone.