1. What is BMI for Children?

Body Mass Index (BMI) is a measure that adjusts body weight for height. For children, BMI is age- and sex-specific and is referred to as "BMI-for-age." It's compared to growth charts to determine percentiles which indicate how a child's measurements compare with others the same age and sex.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the standard BMI formula:

Where:

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

Explanation: The result is then plotted on CDC growth charts to determine the percentile for 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 aged 2-20 years. It helps identify potential weight problems that may lead to health issues.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter weight in kilograms, height in meters, and age in years (2-20). For accurate results, measurements should be taken with minimal clothing and no shoes.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What do the percentiles mean?
A: Below 5th percentile = underweight; 5th-85th = healthy weight; 85th-95th = overweight; 95th+ = obese.

Q2: Why is BMI different for children than adults?
A: Children's body composition varies by age and sex, so their BMI must be compared to others of the same age and sex.

Q3: How often should my child's BMI be checked?
A: Annually is recommended, or more frequently if there are concerns about weight.

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: Where can I find the official growth charts?
A: CDC growth charts are available at: https://www.cdc.gov/growthcharts/