1. What is BMI?

Body Mass Index (BMI) is a measure of body fat based on height and weight that applies to children and adults. 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 adjusted for South African pediatric growth standards:

The result is then compared to South African growth charts to determine the percentile for the child's age and gender.

3. Importance of BMI for Children

Details: Tracking BMI-for-age is important for identifying children who are underweight, overweight, or at risk of becoming overweight. Early identification can help prevent health problems.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter weight in kilograms, height in meters, and the child's age in years. 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: Percentiles show how a child's BMI compares to other children of the same age and gender in South Africa. Below 5th percentile is underweight, 85th-95th is overweight, and above 95th is obese.

Q2: Why use South African specific percentiles?
A: Growth patterns can vary by population due to genetic and environmental factors. South African standards provide more accurate assessments for local children.

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

Q4: How often should BMI be checked in children?
A: Annual checks are recommended for most children, more frequently if there are concerns about growth or weight.

Q5: 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. Always consider the child's overall growth pattern and development.