1. What is BMI for Children?

Body Mass Index (BMI) is a measure that uses height and weight to estimate body fat. For children, BMI is age- and sex-specific and is referred to as BMI-for-age. It's compared against growth charts to determine percentiles.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the standard BMI formula:

Where:

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

For 4-year-olds: The result is compared to CDC growth charts to determine the weight status category.

3. Importance of BMI Calculation

Details: Tracking BMI in children helps identify potential weight problems early. For 4-year-olds, healthy growth patterns are particularly important as they establish lifelong habits.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Measure weight in kilograms and height in meters. For accuracy, measure height without shoes and weight with minimal clothing.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What are the percentile ranges for 4-year-olds?
A: Below 5th = underweight; 5th-85th = healthy weight; 85th-95th = overweight; Above 95th = obese.

Q2: How often should I check my child's BMI?
A: Pediatricians typically check at each well-child visit (about annually for preschoolers).

Q3: What if my child's BMI is high?
A: Consult your pediatrician. They'll consider growth patterns, family history, and other factors.

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

Q5: What's a typical BMI for a 4-year-old?
A: The median (50th percentile) BMI is about 15.5-16 kg/m² for both boys and girls.