1. What is BMI for Children?

BMI (Body Mass Index) for children is a measure that adjusts weight for height. Unlike adults, children's BMI must be interpreted relative to other children of the same age and sex using percentile rankings.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the standard BMI formula:

Where:

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

Explanation: The result is compared to CDC growth charts to determine the percentile for the child's age and gender.

3. Importance of BMI Percentile

Details: BMI percentile indicates how a child's BMI compares to others of the same age and gender. It helps identify underweight, healthy weight, overweight, and obesity.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter weight in kg, height in meters, age in years (2-20), and select gender. For accurate results, measurements should be taken with minimal clothing.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Why use percentiles for children instead of BMI categories?
A: Children's body composition changes with growth, so percentiles account for normal growth patterns.

Q2: What do the percentile ranges mean?
A: Underweight (<5th), Healthy weight (5th-85th), Overweight (85th-95th), Obese (≥95th).

Q3: How often should children's BMI be checked?
A: Annually for all children, more frequently if tracking weight concerns.

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: What if my child's BMI is very high or low?
A: Consult a pediatrician for evaluation. They may assess diet, activity, and growth patterns.