1. What is BMI for Children?

BMI-for-age is a measure that accounts for a child's age and sex when assessing weight relative to height. Unlike adults, children's BMI must be interpreted relative to other children of the same age and sex.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the standard BMI formula adjusted for pediatric interpretation:

Where:

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

Explanation: The result is then plotted on CDC growth charts to determine the BMI percentile for age and sex.

3. Importance of BMI Calculation

Details: BMI-for-age is the recommended measure for screening overweight and obesity in children aged 2-19 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 (2-19), and select gender. For accurate results, measurements should be taken with minimal clothing and no shoes.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Why is BMI different for children than adults?
A: Children's body composition varies by age and sex as they grow, so BMI must be interpreted relative to peers of the same age and sex.

Q2: What do the percentile results mean?
A: Underweight (<5th), Healthy weight (5th-85th), Overweight (85th-95th), Obese (≥95th). Exact interpretation should be done by a healthcare provider.

Q3: When should my child's BMI be checked?
A: The AAP recommends BMI screening annually from age 2, or more frequently if weight concerns exist.

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: What if my child's BMI is high?
A: Consult a pediatrician. They'll consider growth history, family patterns, and may perform additional assessments.