1. What is BMI for Children?

Body Mass Index (BMI) is a measure that adjusts body weight for height. For children and teens, BMI is age- and sex-specific and is often referred to as BMI-for-age. This calculator is specifically designed for boys aged 2-20 years.

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 compared to CDC growth charts to determine the percentile for boys of the same age.

3. Importance of BMI Calculation

Details: BMI-for-age is the recommended measure for screening overweight and obesity in children and teens. 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: Why is BMI different for children than adults?
A: Children's body composition varies by age and sex, so BMI must be interpreted relative to other children of the same age and sex.

Q2: What do the percentile categories mean?
A: Percentiles compare your child to others of the same age and sex. Underweight (<5th), Healthy weight (5th-85th), Overweight (85th-95th), Obese (≥95th).

Q3: Is BMI accurate for muscular children?
A: BMI may overestimate body fat in muscular children. Additional assessments may be needed for athletes.

Q4: How often should my child's BMI be checked?
A: Annual BMI screening is recommended for children aged 2 years and older.

Q5: What if my child is above the 85th percentile?
A: Consult with a healthcare provider for a comprehensive assessment and guidance on healthy growth.