1. What is BMI for Children?

BMI (Body Mass Index) for children is a screening tool that assesses whether a child is underweight, healthy weight, overweight, or obese for their age and sex. Unlike adults, children's BMI is age and sex-specific and is compared to growth charts.

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 to CDC growth charts for girls to determine the BMI percentile.

3. Importance of BMI Calculation

Details: Regular BMI monitoring helps identify potential weight problems in children, allowing for early intervention and healthy lifestyle changes.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter weight in kg, height in meters, and age in years (2-20). For accurate results, measure height without shoes and weight with minimal clothing.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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

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

Q3: How often should my child's BMI be checked?
A: The AAP recommends BMI screening at least 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 your pediatrician. They may assess diet, activity levels, family history, and possibly order additional tests.