1. What is BMI for Children and Teens?

BMI-for-age is the measure used to assess weight status in children and teens aged 2-19 years. Unlike adults, BMI values for children are age- and sex-specific because their body composition varies as they grow.

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 and teens, 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 measure for screening overweight and obesity in children. 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 between 2-19 years, and select gender. For accurate results, measurements should be taken with minimal clothing and no shoes.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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

Q2: Why is BMI different for children than adults?
A: Children's body fat changes with age and differs between boys and girls, so BMI must be interpreted relative to growth patterns.

Q3: When should I be concerned about my child's BMI?
A: Consult a healthcare provider if your child is below 5th percentile or above 85th percentile, or if there are sudden changes.

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

Q5: Where can I find the growth charts?
A: CDC growth charts are available online or from healthcare providers to plot BMI-for-age percentiles.