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. In Australia, BMI percentiles are used to compare a child's BMI with children of the same age and sex.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the standard BMI formula:

The result is then compared to Australian growth charts to determine the percentile ranking based on the child's age and gender.

3. Importance of BMI Calculation

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

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter weight in kilograms, height in meters, age in years (2-18), and select gender. 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: Below 5th percentile (underweight), 5th-85th percentile (healthy weight), 85th-95th percentile (overweight), and above 95th percentile (obese).

Q2: Is BMI accurate for all children?
A: BMI is a screening tool but doesn't directly measure body fat. It may be less accurate for very muscular children or those with certain medical conditions.

Q3: How often should my child's BMI be checked?
A: Australian guidelines recommend annual BMI checks as part of routine health assessments for children aged 2-18 years.

Q4: Where can I find official Australian growth charts?
A: The Australian Government Department of Health provides growth charts based on WHO standards for children 0-5 and CDC references for 5-18 years.

Q5: What should I do if my child is in an unhealthy range?
A: Consult with a healthcare professional who can perform further assessments and provide personalized advice.