1. What is Child BMI?

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

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 CDC growth charts to determine the child's BMI percentile for their age and gender.

3. Importance of BMI Calculation

Details: BMI-for-age is the recommended measure for screening overweight and obesity in children aged 2 years and older. It helps identify potential weight problems that may lead to health issues.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter weight in kg, height in meters, and the child's age in years. For accurate results, measurements should be taken with calibrated equipment.

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 interpreted relative to other children of the same age and sex.

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

Q3: When should I be concerned about my child's BMI?
A: Consult a healthcare provider if your child is below the 5th percentile or above the 85th percentile.

Q4: Are there limitations to BMI for children?
A: BMI doesn't distinguish between fat and muscle mass. Athletic children may have high BMI due to muscle rather than fat.

Q5: How often should my child's BMI be checked?
A: Annual BMI screening is recommended for children aged 2 years and older.