1. What is BMI for Pediatrics?

Body Mass Index (BMI) is a measure of body fat based on height and weight that applies to children and teens. For children, BMI is age- and sex-specific and is often referred to as BMI-for-age. Percentiles are used to interpret BMI for children because their body composition varies as they grow.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the standard BMI formula:

The resulting BMI is then compared to CDC growth charts to determine the percentile based on the child's age and gender.

3. Importance of BMI Percentile

Details: BMI percentiles are the most commonly used indicator to assess the size and growth patterns of children in the United States. They help identify children who are underweight, healthy weight, overweight, or obese.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter weight in kilograms, height in meters, age in years (2-19), and select gender. For accurate results, measurements should be taken with minimal clothing and no shoes.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What do the percentile ranges mean?
A: Below 5th percentile = underweight; 5th to 85th = healthy weight; 85th to 95th = overweight; 95th and above = obese.

Q2: Why use percentiles instead of fixed BMI values?
A: Children's body fat changes with age and differs between boys and girls, so percentiles account for these normal variations.

Q3: How often should children's BMI be checked?
A: The AAP recommends BMI screening annually starting at age 2.

Q4: What if my child's BMI percentile changes significantly?
A: Large changes may warrant further evaluation by a healthcare provider to assess growth patterns and potential health risks.

Q5: Are there limitations to BMI?
A: BMI doesn't distinguish between fat and muscle mass, so athletic children may have high BMI without excess fat.