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. Unlike adults, BMI for children is age- and sex-specific and is compared to growth charts to determine a percentile ranking.

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 percentile for the child's age and sex.

3. Importance of BMI Calculation

Details: BMI percentiles help identify potential weight problems in children. Underweight (<5th percentile), healthy weight (5th-85th percentile), overweight (85th-95th percentile), and obese (≥95th percentile).

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter weight in kg, 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 is BMI different for children than adults?
A: Children's body composition varies by age and sex, so their BMI must be compared to growth charts specific to their demographic.

Q2: What if my child's BMI is high?
A: A high BMI may indicate high body fat, but further assessment by a healthcare provider is needed to determine if excess fat is a problem.

Q3: Are there limitations to BMI for children?
A: BMI doesn't distinguish between muscle and fat, and may not accurately reflect body fat in very muscular children or those with certain medical conditions.

Q4: How often should children's BMI be checked?
A: The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends BMI screening annually from age 2.

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