1. What is BMI?

BMI (Body Mass Index) is a measure of body fat based on height and weight that applies to both adult men and women. 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)

For children: The result is compared to growth charts that take into account the child's age and sex to determine the BMI percentile.

3. Importance of BMI Calculation for Children

Details: BMI-for-age is the recommended indicator for screening for overweight and underweight in children and teens. It can help identify potential weight problems that may lead to health issues.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter weight in kilograms, height in centimeters, 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: Why is BMI different for children than adults?
A: Children's body composition varies as they grow, and differs between boys and girls. BMI-for-age accounts for these differences.

Q2: What is a healthy BMI for my child?
A: Healthy BMI ranges change with age. Generally, BMI between the 5th and 85th percentile is considered healthy weight for age.

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

Q4: Are there limitations to BMI for children?
A: BMI doesn't distinguish between muscle and fat, so athletic children may have high BMI without excess fat. It's always best to consult a healthcare provider.

Q5: How often should I check my child's BMI?
A: Regular check-ups with your pediatrician will include BMI monitoring. For home tracking, every 3-6 months is sufficient unless advised otherwise.