1. What is BMI?

Body Mass Index (BMI) is a measure of body fat based on height and weight that applies to children and adults. 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:

Where:

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

Note: For a more complete assessment of a child's growth, age and sex-specific percentile charts should be consulted.

3. Importance of BMI Calculation

Details: BMI is a screening tool that can indicate whether a child is underweight, healthy weight, overweight, or obese. However, it doesn't measure body fat directly.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter weight in kilograms and height in meters. For height, you can convert from cm to m by dividing by 100 (e.g., 150 cm = 1.5 m).

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Why isn't age included in this calculator?
A: This calculator provides raw BMI values. For children, BMI interpretation requires age and sex-specific percentile charts.

Q2: What are typical BMI ranges for children?
A: Healthy BMI varies by age and sex. Generally:

• Underweight: Below 5th percentile
• Healthy weight: 5th to 85th percentile
• Overweight: 85th to 95th percentile
• Obese: Above 95th percentile

Q3: How accurate is BMI for children?
A: BMI is a good screening tool but doesn't account for muscle mass, bone density, or body composition.

Q4: Where can I find UK BMI percentile charts?
A: The UK-WHO growth charts are available from the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health.

Q5: When should I consult a doctor about my child's BMI?
A: If your child's BMI suggests underweight, overweight, or if you have any concerns about their growth.