1. What is BMI for Children and Teens?

BMI (Body Mass Index) is a screening tool for weight categories in children and teens aged 2-19 years. For children, BMI is age- and sex-specific and is often referred to as BMI-for-age. Unlike adults, children's BMI is compared to growth charts to determine percentiles.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the standard BMI formula:

Where:

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

Percentile Calculation: The BMI result is plotted on CDC growth charts to determine the percentile based on the child's age and sex.

3. Importance of BMI Percentile

Details: BMI percentiles are the most commonly used indicator to assess the size and growth patterns of children and teens. The percentile indicates the relative position of the child's BMI among children of the same sex and age.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter weight in kilograms, height in meters, age in years (2-19), 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 percentiles mean?
A: Underweight (<5th), Healthy weight (5th-85th), Overweight (85th-95th), Obese (≥95th percentile).

Q2: Why use percentiles for children?
A: Children's body composition varies by age and sex as they grow, so percentiles account for these normal variations.

Q3: How often should BMI be calculated for children?
A: At least annually as part of routine health supervision visits.

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: What if my child's BMI is high?
A: Consult a healthcare provider for further evaluation. High BMI may indicate need for lifestyle changes.