1. What is BMI for Children?

Body Mass Index (BMI) is a measure of body fat based on height and weight that applies to children and teens. For children, 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 adjusted for children's growth patterns:

Where:

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

Explanation: The result is compared to CDC growth charts to determine the child's BMI percentile for their age and sex.

3. Importance of BMI Calculation for Children

Details: Tracking BMI-for-age helps identify potential weight problems in children. Unlike adults, children's BMI must be interpreted relative to other children of the same age and sex.

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 recent and precise.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Why is BMI different for children than adults?
A: Children's body composition changes as they grow, and BMI values must be compared to others of the same age and sex.

Q2: What are the BMI categories for children?
A: Underweight (<5th percentile), Healthy weight (5th-85th), Overweight (85th-95th), Obese (≥95th).

Q3: When should I be concerned about my child's BMI?
A: Consult a pediatrician if your child is below 5th or above 85th percentile, or if there are sudden changes.

Q4: Are there limitations to BMI for children?
A: BMI doesn't distinguish between muscle and fat, so athletic children may have higher BMIs without excess fat.

Q5: How often should children's BMI be checked?
A: Annual checks are recommended, or more frequently if there are concerns about growth or weight.