1. What is BMI for Children?

Body Mass Index (BMI) is a measure that adjusts body weight for height. For children and teens, BMI is age- and gender-specific and is often referred to as BMI-for-age. The CDC BMI-for-age growth charts are the most commonly used indicator to measure the size and growth patterns of children in the United States.

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 then plotted on 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 2-20 years. It helps identify potential weight problems that may lead to health issues.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter weight in kilograms, height in meters, age in years (2-20), and select gender. For accurate results, measurements should be taken with minimal clothing and no shoes.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Why use BMI-for-age instead of regular BMI?
A: Children's body composition varies as they grow, so BMI must be interpreted relative to other children of the same age and gender.

Q2: What do the percentile ranges mean?
A: Underweight (<5th), Healthy weight (5th-85th), Overweight (85th-95th), Obese (≥95th percentile).

Q3: How often should children's BMI be checked?
A: The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends BMI screening annually from age 2.

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: What if my child's BMI is high?
A: Consult a healthcare provider for further evaluation. They may assess diet, physical activity, family history, and other health indicators.