1. What is BMI for Children?

BMI (Body Mass Index) for children and teens is calculated the same way as for adults, but the results are interpreted differently. 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:

Where:

• \( weight \) — Body weight in kilograms
• \( height \) — Height in meters

Explanation: The result is compared to CDC growth charts to determine the BMI percentile for girls of the same age.

3. Importance of BMI Calculation

Details: BMI-for-age is the recommended screening tool for overweight and obesity in children and teens. It's a reliable indicator of body fatness for most children.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter weight in kilograms, height in meters, and age in years (2-19 years). Measurements should be accurate for proper percentile determination.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Why use BMI-for-age for children?
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 do the percentiles mean?
A: Underweight (<5th), Healthy weight (5th-<85th), Overweight (85th-<95th), Obese (≥95th percentile).

Q3: How often should BMI be measured in children?
A: The AAP recommends BMI screening annually for all children 2 years and older.

Q4: Are there limitations to BMI for children?
A: BMI doesn't distinguish between fat and muscle mass. Very muscular teens may have high BMI without excess fat.

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