1. What is BMI for Children?

BMI (Body Mass Index) for children is a measure that adjusts for age and gender, comparing a child's weight to their height. Unlike adults, children's BMI is expressed as a percentile relative to other children of the same age and gender.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the standard BMI formula adjusted for children:

The result is then compared to CDC growth charts to determine the child's percentile.

3. Importance of BMI Calculation

Details: Tracking BMI in children helps identify potential weight problems early. The CDC growth charts are the standard for assessing size and growth patterns in children in Canada and the US.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter weight in kilograms, height in meters, and the child's age between 2-19 years. For accurate results, measure height and weight without shoes and heavy clothing.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Why use BMI for children instead of adults?
A: Children's body composition varies by age and gender, so BMI must be interpreted relative to other children of the same age and sex.

Q2: What are the BMI percentile categories?
A: Underweight (<5th), Healthy weight (5th-85th), Overweight (85th-95th), Obese (≥95th percentile).

Q3: How often should my child's BMI be checked?
A: Health Canada recommends annual BMI screening for children aged 2-19 years.

Q4: Are there limitations to BMI?
A: BMI doesn't distinguish between fat and muscle. Athletic children may have high BMI due to muscle mass rather than fat.

Q5: Where can I find official CDC growth charts?
A: CDC growth charts are available on the CDC website and are used by healthcare providers across Canada.