1. What is BMI?

Body Mass Index (BMI) is a measure that uses height and weight to work out if a child's weight is healthy for their height. For children and teens, 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 against Australian growth charts to determine the child's weight status percentile.

3. Importance of BMI for Children

Details: Tracking BMI-for-age helps identify children who are underweight, healthy weight, overweight or obese. Early identification allows for timely intervention.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter weight in kilograms, height in meters, age in years (2-18), and select gender. Measurements should be recent and accurate.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What BMI percentile is considered healthy?
A: Generally, BMI between the 5th and 85th percentile is considered healthy weight for age and sex.

Q2: How often should my child's BMI be checked?
A: Annual checks are recommended for most children, more frequently if weight concerns exist.

Q3: Does BMI account for muscle mass?
A: BMI doesn't distinguish between muscle and fat. Athletic children may have higher BMI without excess fat.

Q4: What if my child's BMI is above the healthy range?
A: Consult your GP or pediatrician for assessment and guidance on healthy lifestyle changes.

Q5: Are there different charts for boys and girls?
A: Yes, growth charts are gender-specific as body composition differs between boys and girls.