1. What is BMI for Children?

Body Mass Index (BMI) is a measure of body fat based on height and weight that applies to children and teens. For children, 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

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 is the most common indicator of weight status in children. It helps identify underweight, healthy weight, overweight, and obesity.

4. Using the Calculator

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

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What do the percentiles mean?
A: Below 5th percentile is underweight, 5th to 85th is healthy weight, 85th to 95th is overweight, and above 95th is obese.

Q2: Is BMI accurate for all children?
A: BMI is a screening tool but doesn't directly measure body fat. Very muscular children may have high BMI without excess fat.

Q3: How often should BMI be checked?
A: The AAP recommends BMI assessment at least annually for all children and adolescents.

Q4: What if my child's BMI is high?
A: Consult a pediatrician for further evaluation. They may assess diet, activity level, and family history.

Q5: Are there different charts for boys and girls?
A: Yes, because body fatness differs between boys and girls as they mature.