1. What is BMI for Children?

BMI (Body Mass Index) for children is a measure that adjusts weight for height and compares it to growth charts for children of the same age and sex. Unlike adult BMI, children's 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:

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

Note: For children, the BMI number is plotted on growth charts to determine the BMI-for-age percentile.

3. Importance of BMI Calculation

Details: BMI-for-age is the recommended indicator 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 kilograms, height in meters, and age in years. For accurate results, measurements should be taken with minimal clothing and no shoes.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What BMI percentile ranges mean?
A: Underweight (<5th percentile), Healthy weight (5th-85th percentile), Overweight (85th-95th percentile), Obese (≥95th percentile).

Q2: 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 other children of the same age and sex.

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 higher BMIs without excess fat.

Q5: What should I do if my child's BMI is high?
A: Consult a pediatrician for further evaluation. They may assess diet, activity levels, and family history.