1. What is BMI for Children?

Body Mass Index (BMI) is a measure that adjusts body weight for height. For children, BMI is age- and sex-specific and is referred to as BMI-for-age. It's an important screening tool for overweight and obesity in children.

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 child's BMI percentile.

3. Importance of BMI Calculation

Details: Tracking BMI-for-age helps identify children who are underweight, at healthy weight, overweight, or obese. Early identification can lead to timely interventions.

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: Why is BMI different for children than adults?
A: Children's body composition varies by age and sex, so BMI must be interpreted relative to other children of the same age and sex.

Q2: What are the BMI percentile categories?
A: Underweight (<5th), Healthy weight (5th-85th), Overweight (85th-95th), 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: How often should my child's BMI be checked?
A: The AAP recommends BMI screening at least annually at well-child visits starting at age 2.

Q5: What should I do if my child's BMI is high?
A: Consult your pediatrician. They may assess diet, activity levels, family history, and possibly order additional tests.