1. What is BMI?

Body Mass Index (BMI) is a person's weight in kilograms divided by the square of height in meters. 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 BMI formula:

Where:

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

Explanation: The equation calculates body mass relative to height squared, providing a standardized measure of body composition.

3. Importance of BMI Calculation

Details: BMI is a simple screening tool for weight categories that may lead to health problems. For children and teens, BMI is particularly important as it accounts for normal growth patterns.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter weight in kilograms and height in meters. All values must be valid (weight > 0, height > 0). For children, results should be compared to CDC growth charts.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Why use BMI for children?
A: BMI-for-age is the recommended measure for children and teens because it accounts for normal growth variations by age and sex.

Q2: What are normal BMI values for children?
A: Unlike adults, children's BMI is interpreted using percentile charts based on age and sex. The CDC provides growth charts for this purpose.

Q3: When should BMI be measured in children?
A: Regular BMI measurements during well-child visits can help track growth patterns and identify potential weight concerns early.

Q4: Are there limitations to BMI?
A: BMI doesn't directly measure body fat and may misclassify muscular individuals. It's a screening tool, not a diagnostic measure.

Q5: Should BMI be used alone for health assessment?
A: No, BMI should be used alongside other assessments like skinfold thickness measurements, diet evaluation, and physical activity patterns.