1. What is BMI for Kids?

BMI-for-age is the screening tool for overweight and obesity in children and teens. For children, BMI is age- and sex-specific and is often referred to as BMI-for-age. The NSW Health Care tool compares a child's BMI to growth charts to determine the corresponding percentile.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the standard BMI formula adjusted for age and gender:

Where:

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

Explanation: The result is compared to NSW Health growth charts to determine the percentile for the child's age and gender.

3. Importance of BMI Calculation

Details: Tracking BMI-for-age helps identify children at risk of weight-related health problems. Early identification allows for early intervention and healthy lifestyle changes.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter weight in kg, height in meters, age in years (2-18), and select gender. For accurate results, measure height and weight using proper equipment.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Why is BMI different for children than adults?
A: Children's body composition varies as they grow, so BMI must be compared to other children of the same age and sex.

Q2: What if my child is above the 95th percentile?
A: This suggests obesity. Consult with a healthcare provider for evaluation and guidance on healthy weight management.

Q3: When should BMI be measured in children?
A: The NSW Health recommends regular BMI screening from age 2, typically during well-child visits.

Q4: Are there limitations to BMI for children?
A: BMI doesn't distinguish between muscle and fat. Athletic children may have high BMI without excess fat. Other assessments may be needed.

Q5: Where can I find the official NSW Health growth charts?
A: The NSW Health website provides complete growth charts for clinical reference.