1. What is BMI for Children?

Body Mass Index (BMI) is a screening tool for weight categories in children aged 2-19 years. For children, BMI is age- and sex-specific and is often referred to as BMI-for-age. Obesity is defined as BMI ≥95th percentile for age and sex.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the standard BMI formula adjusted for children:

Where:

• \( weight \) — Body weight in kilograms
• \( height \) — Height in meters

Explanation: The result is compared against CDC growth charts to determine weight status percentile for children of the same age and sex.

3. Importance of BMI Calculation

Details: Tracking BMI-for-age helps identify children at risk for weight-related health problems. Childhood obesity is associated with increased risk of adult obesity and related diseases.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter weight in kg, height in meters, age between 2-19 years, and select gender. For accurate results, measurements should be taken with minimal clothing.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Why use BMI-for-age instead of regular BMI?
A: Children's body composition varies with age and differs between boys and girls. BMI-for-age accounts for these normal growth patterns.

Q2: What percentile indicates obesity in children?
A: ≥95th percentile is classified as obese, 85th to <95th percentile is overweight, and <5th percentile is underweight.

Q3: How often should children's BMI be checked?
A: The AAP recommends BMI screening annually starting at age 2.

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. They may assess diet, activity levels, and family history.