1. What is BMI for Kids?

Body Mass Index (BMI) is a screening tool that assesses whether a child is underweight, healthy weight, overweight, or obese for their height. For children, BMI is age- and sex-specific and is referred to as "BMI-for-age."

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the standard BMI formula adapted for cm and pounds:

Where:

• \( weight \) — Weight in pounds (lbs)
• \( height \) — Height in centimeters (cm)
• \( 0.393701 \) — Conversion factor from cm to inches
• \( 703 \) — Conversion factor for imperial units

Explanation: The formula first converts height from cm to inches, then calculates BMI using standard imperial formula.

3. Importance of BMI Calculation for Children

Details: BMI-for-age is the recommended measure for screening overweight and obesity in children aged 2-19 years. It helps identify potential weight problems that may lead to health issues.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter weight in pounds and height in centimeters. 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 varies by age and sex, so BMI must be interpreted relative to other children of the same age and sex.

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

Q3: When should BMI be measured in children?
A: The AAP recommends annual BMI screening for all children aged 2 years and older.

Q4: Are there limitations to BMI for children?
A: BMI doesn't distinguish between fat and muscle mass. Very muscular children may have high BMI without excess fat.

Q5: What should I do if my child's BMI is high?
A: Consult a pediatrician for further evaluation. They may assess growth patterns, family history, and other factors.