1. What is BMI?

Body Mass Index (BMI) is a measure of body fat based on height and weight that applies to adults and children. 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:

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

Note: For children, the BMI value is plotted on a growth chart to determine the BMI-for-age percentile.

3. Importance of BMI Calculation

Details: BMI is a screening tool to identify possible weight problems in children. It helps healthcare providers track growth patterns and identify potential health risks.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter weight in kg, height in cm, age in years (2-20), and select gender. For most accurate results, measure height and weight without shoes and heavy clothing.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Is BMI accurate for children?
A: BMI is a useful screening tool but doesn't directly measure body fat. It should be interpreted with growth charts and other assessments.

Q2: What is a healthy BMI for a child?
A: Healthy BMI varies by age and sex. Typically between 5th to 85th percentile on growth charts is considered healthy.

Q3: When should I be concerned about my child's BMI?
A: Consult a pediatrician if BMI is below 5th percentile (underweight) or above 85th percentile (overweight).

Q4: How often should BMI be checked in children?
A: Pediatricians typically check BMI at annual well-child visits starting at age 2.

Q5: Can BMI be misleading for athletic children?
A: Yes, muscular children may have higher BMI without excess fat. Additional assessments may be needed.