1. What is BMI for Teens and Children?

Body Mass Index (BMI) is a screening tool for weight categories in children and teens aged 2-19 years. For children, 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:

The result is then compared to CDC growth charts to determine the percentile for the child's age and sex.

3. Importance of BMI Calculation

Details: BMI-for-age is the recommended measure for screening overweight and obesity in children and teens. It accounts for normal differences in body fat between boys and girls and differences at various ages.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter weight in kilograms, height in meters, and exact age in years. For most accurate results, measurements should be taken by a healthcare professional.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What do the percentiles mean?
A: Underweight (<5th), Healthy weight (5th-<85th), Overweight (85th-<95th), Obese (≥95th).

Q2: Is BMI accurate for all children?
A: BMI is a screening tool but doesn't directly measure body fat. Athletes with more muscle mass may have higher BMI.

Q3: How often should BMI be checked?
A: The AAP recommends annual BMI screening for children aged 2 years and older.

Q4: What if my child is above the 85th percentile?
A: Consult a healthcare provider for further evaluation and guidance.

Q5: Where can I find CDC growth charts?
A: CDC growth charts are available at https://www.cdc.gov/growthcharts/.