1. What is BMI for Children?

BMI (Body Mass Index) is a measure that uses height and weight to estimate body fat. For children and teens, BMI is age- and sex-specific and is often referred to as BMI-for-age. It compares your child's weight to that of other children of the same age and sex.

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 then compared to Australian growth charts to determine the percentile category for the child's age and sex.

3. Importance of BMI Calculation for Kids

Details: Tracking BMI-for-age helps identify children who may be at risk for weight-related health problems. It's a screening tool that can indicate whether further assessment is needed.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter weight in kilograms, height in meters, age in years (between 2-18), and select gender. For accurate results, measurements should be taken with minimal clothing and no shoes.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Is BMI accurate for all children?
A: BMI is a good screening tool but may not reflect body fatness in very muscular children or those with certain medical conditions.

Q2: What if my child's BMI is high?
A: A high BMI may indicate high body fatness. Consult with a healthcare provider for a complete growth assessment and health evaluation.

Q3: How often should I check my child's BMI?
A: Regular check-ups with your healthcare provider will include growth monitoring. For school-aged children, annual checks are typical.

Q4: Are there different charts for boys and girls?
A: Yes, because body fatness differs between boys and girls as they grow.

Q5: What's a healthy BMI range for my child?
A: Healthy ranges vary by age and sex. Generally, between the 5th and 85th percentiles is considered healthy weight.