1. What is BMI for Children?

Body Mass Index (BMI) is a measure that uses height and weight to estimate body fat. For children and toddlers, 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:

The result is then compared to NHS growth charts to determine the child's percentile.

3. Importance of BMI Calculation

Details: BMI-for-age is the recommended measure for screening overweight and obesity in children aged 2-18 years. It helps identify potential weight problems that may lead to health issues.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter weight in kilograms, height in meters, age in years, and select gender. For accurate results, measurements should be taken with minimal clothing.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Is BMI interpretation different for children than adults?
A: Yes, children's BMI is compared to growth charts specific to their age and sex, rather than using fixed thresholds.

Q2: What do the percentiles mean?
A: Percentiles show how a child's BMI compares to others of the same age and sex. Below 2nd percentile may indicate underweight, above 91st may indicate overweight, and above 98th may indicate obesity.

Q3: How often should my child's BMI be checked?
A: The NHS recommends BMI checks at school entry (age 4-5) and in Year 6 (age 10-11), or more frequently if there are concerns.

Q4: Are there limitations to BMI for children?
A: BMI doesn't distinguish between fat and muscle mass. Athletic children may have high BMI due to muscle rather than fat.

Q5: What should I do if my child's BMI is concerning?
A: Consult your GP or health visitor for a more comprehensive assessment and advice.