1. What is BMI?

Body Mass Index (BMI) is a measure that uses height and weight to estimate body fat. For children and young people, 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:

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

3. Importance of BMI for Children

Details: Tracking BMI-for-age helps identify children who are underweight, overweight, or at risk of becoming overweight. Early identification allows for early intervention.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter weight in kilograms, height in meters, age in years (2-20), 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: Percentiles compare your child's BMI to Australian children of the same age and gender. Below 5th: underweight; 5th-85th: healthy weight; 85th-95th: overweight; Above 95th: obese.

Q2: Is BMI accurate for all children?
A: BMI is a screening tool but doesn't directly measure body fat. It may overestimate body fat in muscular children and underestimate it in children with less muscle mass.

Q3: How often should my child's BMI be checked?
A: Yearly checks are recommended for most children. More frequent monitoring may be needed if weight concerns exist.

Q4: What if my child is above the healthy weight range?
A: Consult with a healthcare provider who can assess overall health and recommend appropriate lifestyle changes.

Q5: Where can I find official Australian growth charts?
A: The Australian Government Department of Health provides growth charts based on WHO standards for children aged 0-5 and CDC references for children 5-18.