1. What is BMI for Children and Teens?

BMI (Body Mass Index) is a screening tool for weight categories in children and teens aged 2-19 years. For children, BMI is age- and sex-specific and is often referred to as BMI-for-age. The CDC growth charts are used to determine the corresponding BMI-for-age percentile.

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 BMI-for-age percentile.

3. Importance of BMI Calculation

Details: BMI-for-age is the most commonly used indicator to screen for weight problems in children and teens. It can help identify potential weight issues that may lead to health problems.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter weight in kg, height in meters, age (2-19 years), and gender. For accurate results, measurements should be taken with proper 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 do the percentiles mean?
A: Underweight (<5th), Healthy weight (5th-85th), Overweight (85th-95th), Obese (≥95th percentile).

Q3: Is BMI accurate for all children?
A: BMI is a screening tool but doesn't directly measure body fat. Athletic children may have high BMI due to muscle.

Q4: How often should BMI be checked?
A: The AAP recommends BMI calculation at least annually as part of routine health supervision.

Q5: What if my child's BMI is high?
A: Consult a healthcare provider who may consider additional assessments like skinfold thickness or diet evaluation.