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 teens, BMI is age- and sex-specific and is often referred to as BMI-for-age.

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, BMI must be interpreted using age- and gender-specific percentile charts rather than adult categories.

3. Importance of BMI Calculation

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

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter weight in kilograms, height in meters, and the child's age in years. The calculator provides the BMI value which should then be plotted on appropriate growth charts.

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 against growth charts for their specific age and sex.

Q2: What do the percentile ranges mean?
A: Generally:

• Underweight: <5th percentile
• Healthy weight: 5th to <85th percentile
• Overweight: 85th to <95th percentile
• Obese: ≥95th percentile

Q3: Is BMI accurate for all children?
A: BMI is a screening tool but doesn't directly measure body fat. It may be less accurate for very muscular children or those with certain medical conditions.

Q4: Where can I find growth charts?
A: The CDC and WHO provide growth charts online. Many healthcare providers also have them available.

Q5: What should I do if my child's BMI is concerning?
A: Consult with a pediatrician or healthcare provider for a full evaluation and personalized advice.