1. What is BMI for Children?

Body Mass Index (BMI) is a measure that adjusts body weight for height. For children in the Philippines, BMI is compared to age- and gender-specific percentiles to assess growth patterns and potential weight problems.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the standard BMI formula:

Where:

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

Explanation: The result is compared to Philippine growth charts to determine the child's weight status percentile.

3. Importance of BMI Calculation

Details: Regular BMI monitoring helps identify undernutrition, overweight, or obesity in children, allowing for early intervention and proper growth tracking.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter weight in kg, height in meters, age in years (2-18), and gender. Measurements should be as accurate as possible for reliable results.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Why use BMI percentiles for children?
A: BMI changes with age and differs between boys and girls. Percentiles account for these normal growth patterns.

Q2: What are the BMI categories for Filipino children?
A: Underweight (<5th percentile), Normal (5th-85th), Overweight (85th-95th), Obese (>95th percentile).

Q3: How often should children's BMI be checked?
A: At least annually, or more frequently if there are concerns about growth or weight.

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

Q5: Where can I find Filipino growth charts?
A: The Philippine Pediatric Society provides official growth references for Filipino children.