1. What is BMI for Children?

Body Mass Index (BMI) is a measure of body fat based on height and weight that applies to children and teens. For children, BMI is age- and sex-specific and is often referred to as BMI-for-age. It's compared to growth charts to determine percentile ranking.

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 CDC growth charts for Indian children to determine the percentile ranking.

3. Importance of BMI Calculation

Details: Tracking BMI-for-age helps identify potential weight problems in children. Early identification allows for lifestyle changes to prevent health issues.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter weight in kg, height in meters, and exact age (2-18 years). Measurements should be recent and accurate for best results.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Why use BMI-for-age instead of regular BMI?
A: Children's body composition changes as they grow. BMI-for-age accounts for normal growth patterns by comparing to peers of the same age and sex.

Q2: What are healthy BMI percentiles for children?
A: Generally, 5th to 85th percentile is considered healthy weight, 85th to 95th is overweight, and ≥95th is obese.

Q3: How often should my child's BMI be checked?
A: Pediatricians typically check at annual well-child visits. More frequent monitoring may be needed if weight concerns exist.

Q4: Are there limitations to BMI for children?
A: BMI doesn't distinguish between muscle and fat. Athletic children may have higher BMI without excess fat. Always consult a healthcare provider.

Q5: How does this differ from adult BMI calculations?
A: The formula is the same, but interpretation differs. Adults use fixed BMI ranges while children use age- and sex-specific percentiles.