1. What is BMI?

BMI (Body Mass Index) is a measure that uses height and weight to estimate body fat. For children, BMI is age and gender-specific and is referred to as BMI-for-age.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the standard BMI formula adjusted for children's growth patterns:

Where:

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

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

3. Importance of BMI for Children

Details: Tracking BMI-for-age helps identify children at risk of weight-related health problems. It's more useful than BMI alone for growing children.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter weight in kg, height in meters, and exact age (2-18 years). Use accurate measurements for best results.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What do the percentiles mean?
A: Percentiles compare your child to others of same age/gender. Below 5th: underweight; 5th-85th: healthy; 85th-95th: overweight; Above 95th: obese.

Q2: Is BMI accurate for all children?
A: BMI is a screening tool but may not reflect body fat in muscular children or those with unusual body proportions.

Q3: How often should children's BMI be checked?
A: Annually is typical, but more often if weight concerns exist. Always consult a healthcare provider for interpretation.

Q4: What if my child is above the 85th percentile?
A: Consult a doctor or dietitian. They'll consider growth history, family patterns, and other factors before recommending action.

Q5: Are the percentiles different for boys and girls?
A: Yes, growth patterns differ by gender, so separate charts are used for accurate assessment.