1. What is BMI for Children?

BMI (Body Mass Index) for children is a measure that adjusts weight for height and compares it to growth charts for children of the same age and sex. Unlike adults, children's BMI is interpreted relative to percentiles.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the standard BMI formula adjusted for children:

Where:

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

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

3. Importance of BMI Calculation

Details: BMI percentile is the best indicator of healthy weight in children. It helps identify underweight, healthy weight, overweight, and obesity.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter weight in kg, height in meters, age in years (2-20), and select gender. For accurate results, measurements should be taken with minimal clothing.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What BMI percentile is considered healthy?
A: 5th to 85th percentile is considered healthy weight for children.

Q2: Why use percentiles instead of fixed values?
A: Children's body composition changes with age, so percentiles account for normal growth patterns.

Q3: How often should children's BMI be checked?
A: Annually is recommended, or more frequently if weight concerns exist.

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

Q5: What if my child is below 2 years old?
A: BMI isn't used for infants. Weight-for-length percentiles are used instead.