1. What is BMI for Children and Teens?

BMI (Body Mass Index) is a screening tool for weight categories in children and teens aged 2-19 years. Unlike adults, BMI interpretation for youth is age- and sex-specific because body composition varies as children grow.

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 BMI-for-age percentile, which indicates how a child's BMI compares to others of the same age and sex.

3. Importance of BMI Calculation

Details: BMI-for-age is the recommended measure for screening overweight and obesity in children. It helps identify potential weight problems that may lead to health issues.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter weight in kg, height in meters, and exact age (2-19 years). For accurate results, measurements should be taken with minimal clothing and no shoes.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What do the percentile ranges mean?
A: Underweight (<5th), Healthy weight (5th-<85th), Overweight (85th-<95th), Obese (≥95th percentile).

Q2: Why use percentiles instead of fixed values?
A: Children's body composition changes with age, so percentiles account for normal growth patterns.

Q3: How often should BMI be calculated for children?
A: The AAP recommends annual BMI screening for all children aged 2+ years.

Q4: 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.

Q5: What if my child's BMI is high?
A: Consult a healthcare provider for further evaluation. High BMI may indicate need for lifestyle changes.