1. What is BMI Percentile?

BMI percentile is the relative position of a child's BMI among children of the same sex and age. The CDC growth charts are used to determine whether a child's weight is appropriate for their height, age, and sex.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the standard BMI formula:

Then compares the result to CDC growth charts to determine the percentile based on age and gender.

3. Importance of BMI Percentile

Details: BMI percentile is the best indicator of weight status in children and teens. It helps identify potential weight problems that might lead to health issues.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter weight in kilograms, height in meters, age in years (2-19), and select gender. For accurate results, measurements should be taken carefully.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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

Q2: Why use percentiles instead of BMI categories?
A: Children's body fat changes with age and differs between boys and girls, so percentiles account for these variations.

Q3: How often should BMI be checked in children?
A: The AAP recommends BMI screening annually starting at age 2.

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

Q5: What if my child is below 2 years old?
A: For children 0-2 years, use WHO weight-for-length charts instead of BMI.