1. What is BMI for Children?

BMI (Body Mass Index) is a measure of body fat based on height and weight. For children, BMI is age and sex-specific and is referred to as BMI-for-age. It's particularly important for Indian children as South Asians have different body composition and higher risk of metabolic diseases at lower BMI levels compared to Western populations.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the standard BMI formula adjusted for Indian pediatric percentiles:

Where:

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

Explanation: The result is compared to Indian growth charts to determine the percentile, which accounts for age and gender differences in body composition.

3. Importance of BMI Calculation for Indian Children

Details: Regular BMI monitoring helps identify undernutrition or obesity early. Indian children have higher body fat percentage at lower BMI values compared to Western children, making these adjusted percentiles crucial.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Measure weight in light clothing and height without shoes. For accuracy, use digital scales and stadiometers. The calculator is valid for children aged 2-18 years.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Why are Indian BMI percentiles different?
A: Indian children have different body composition with higher body fat percentage at lower BMI values compared to Western standards.

Q2: What is a healthy BMI for Indian children?
A: Between 3rd to 85th percentile for age and gender is considered healthy weight for Indian children.

Q3: How often should BMI be checked?
A: Every 6 months for normal weight children, more frequently if underweight, overweight, or during puberty.

Q4: Are there limitations to BMI?
A: BMI doesn't distinguish between muscle and fat. Athletic children may show higher BMI without excess fat.

Q5: What if my child is below 3rd percentile?
A: Consult a pediatrician to rule out underlying conditions and for nutritional guidance.