1. What Is BMI For Children?

BMI (Body Mass Index) for children is a measure that takes into account a child's age and sex, as well as height and weight. 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 adjusted for children:

Where:

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

Explanation: The result is then compared to growth charts for children of the same age and sex to determine the percentile.

3. Importance Of BMI Calculation For Children

Details: Tracking BMI-for-age helps identify potential weight problems in children. Unlike adults, children's BMI changes with age as part of normal growth.

4. Using The Calculator

Tips: Enter weight in kg, height in meters, age in years (2-18), and select gender. For accurate results, measurements should be taken by a healthcare professional.

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 are the BMI percentile categories for children?
A: Underweight (<5th), Healthy weight (5th-84th), Overweight (85th-94th), Obese (≥95th percentile).

Q3: When should I be concerned about my child's BMI?
A: If your child's BMI is below the 5th percentile or above the 85th percentile, consult your pediatrician.

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: How often should my child's BMI be checked?
A: The NHS recommends BMI checks at school entry (age 4-5) and in Year 6 (age 10-11), or annually during well-child visits.