1. What is BMI?

BMI (Body Mass Index) is a measure that uses height and weight to estimate body fat. 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:

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

Note: For children, the raw BMI value is compared to growth charts to determine a percentile ranking.

3. Importance of BMI Calculation for Children

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. All values must be valid (weight > 0, height > 0, age between 2-19).

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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

Q2: What is a healthy BMI for children?
A: Healthy weight is typically between the 5th and 85th percentiles on CDC growth charts.

Q3: How often should children's BMI be checked?
A: The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends BMI screening annually from age 2.

Q4: Are there limitations to BMI for children?
A: BMI doesn't distinguish between fat and muscle mass, so athletic children may have high BMI without excess fat.

Q5: What should I do if my child's BMI is high?
A: Consult a healthcare provider who can evaluate growth trends and consider additional assessments.