1. What is BMI for Kids?

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

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the standard BMI formula:

Where:

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

Note: For children, this raw BMI value must then be plotted on a growth chart to determine the percentile.

3. Importance of BMI Calculation

Details: BMI screening for children is important to identify potential weight problems, but it's not a diagnostic tool. Healthcare providers use additional assessments to evaluate health status.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter weight in kilograms and height in meters. For accurate results, measure height without shoes and weight with minimal clothing.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What do BMI percentiles mean for children?
A: Underweight (<5th percentile), Healthy weight (5th-85th percentile), Overweight (85th-95th percentile), Obese (≥95th percentile).

Q2: 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.

Q3: How often should children's BMI be checked?
A: The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends BMI screening annually from age 2.

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

Q5: What should I do if my child's BMI is concerning?
A: Consult with a pediatrician who can perform additional assessments and provide guidance.