1. What is BMI for UK Kids?

BMI (Body Mass Index) is a measure that uses height and weight to assess whether a child's weight is in a healthy range. For UK children, BMI is compared to growth charts and percentiles specific to age and sex.

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, the calculated BMI should be plotted on UK growth charts to determine the percentile for age and sex.

3. Importance of BMI Calculation

Details: BMI helps identify children who are underweight, healthy weight, overweight, or obese. Tracking BMI over time can show growth patterns and potential health risks.

4. Using the Calculator

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

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is a healthy BMI for UK children?
A: Healthy ranges vary by age and sex. Generally between 5th-85th percentile on UK growth charts is considered healthy.

Q2: How often should children's BMI be checked?
A: NHS recommends measuring at school entry (age 4-5) and in year 6 (age 10-11), or more frequently if concerns exist.

Q3: Does BMI account for muscle mass?
A: No, BMI doesn't distinguish between muscle and fat. Athletic children may have higher BMI without excess fat.

Q4: Where can I find UK BMI percentile charts?
A: The UK-WHO growth charts are available from the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health website.

Q5: What should I do if my child's BMI is outside the healthy range?
A: Consult your GP or health visitor for assessment and advice. BMI is just one indicator of health.