1. What is BMI?

Body Mass Index (BMI) 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 standard BMI formula:

Where:

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

Explanation: The result is then compared against age- and gender-specific percentile charts to determine the weight category.

3. Importance of BMI Calculation for Kids

Details: BMI-for-age is the recommended measure for screening overweight and obesity in children and teens. It helps identify potential weight problems that may lead to health issues.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter weight in kg, height in meters, age in years (2-18), and select gender. For accurate results, measure height and weight without shoes and heavy clothing.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is a healthy BMI for children?
A: Healthy BMI ranges vary by age and gender. Generally between the 5th and 85th percentiles on growth charts.

Q2: How often should my child's BMI be checked?
A: Annual BMI checks are recommended for children aged 2 years and older.

Q3: Does BMI diagnose obesity in children?
A: BMI is a screening tool, not a diagnostic. Further assessment is needed to determine if excess fat is a health problem.

Q4: Are there limitations to BMI for children?
A: BMI doesn't distinguish between muscle and fat, and may not be accurate for very muscular children or those with certain medical conditions.

Q5: Where can I find Australian BMI percentile charts?
A: The Australian Government Department of Health provides BMI-for-age growth charts based on WHO standards.