1. What is the CDC Children's BMI Calculator?

The CDC Children's BMI Calculator uses the standard BMI formula but compares the results to age- and sex-specific percentiles from CDC growth charts. This provides a more accurate assessment of weight status for children and teens aged 2-19 years.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the standard BMI formula:

Where:

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

Explanation: For children, the BMI value is plotted on CDC growth charts to determine the BMI-for-age percentile.

3. Importance of BMI Calculation for Children

Details: BMI percentiles are the most commonly used indicator to assess the size and growth patterns of children in the United States. They help 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 (2-19), and select gender. For accurate results, measurements should be taken with minimal clothing and no shoes.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Why use percentiles for children instead of BMI categories?
A: Children's body composition varies by age and sex, so percentiles account for these normal growth patterns.

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

Q3: How often should children's BMI be calculated?
A: The AAP recommends BMI calculation at least annually as part of routine health supervision.

Q4: Are there limitations to BMI for children?
A: BMI doesn't distinguish between fat and muscle mass, and may not be accurate for very muscular children.

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