1. What is BMI for Children?

BMI (Body Mass Index) for children is a measure that adjusts for age and sex, unlike adult BMI. It compares a child's weight to their height and provides a percentile ranking based on growth charts.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the standard BMI formula:

Where:

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

Note: For children, the raw BMI number must be plotted on a growth chart to determine the BMI-for-age percentile.

3. Importance of BMI Calculation

Details: BMI-for-age is the recommended screening tool for overweight and obesity in children aged 2-20 years. 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 (2-20), and select gender. For accurate results, measurements should be taken with minimal clothing and no shoes.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What do BMI percentiles mean for children?
A: Below 5th percentile = underweight; 5th-85th = healthy weight; 85th-95th = overweight; 95th+ = obese.

Q2: Why is BMI different for children than adults?
A: Children's body composition changes as they grow, so BMI must be interpreted relative to other children of the same age and sex.

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

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.

Q5: How often should my child's BMI be checked?
A: The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends BMI screening annually from age 2.