1. What is BMI for Children?

Body Mass Index (BMI) is a measure that adjusts body weight for height. For children, BMI is age- and sex-specific and is referred to as BMI-for-age. It's the most common screening tool for identifying potential weight problems in children.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the standard BMI formula:

Where:

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

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

3. Importance of BMI Calculation

Details: Tracking BMI-for-age helps identify children at risk for weight-related health problems. It screens for underweight, healthy weight, overweight, and obesity.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter weight in kg, height in meters, and exact age in years. For accurate results, measurements should be taken with minimal clothing and no shoes.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Why use BMI-for-age instead of regular BMI?
A: Children's body composition changes as they grow, so BMI must be interpreted relative to other children of the same age and sex.

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

Q3: How often should children's BMI be checked?
A: The AAP recommends BMI screening annually from age 2 through adolescence.

Q4: Are there limitations to BMI for children?
A: BMI doesn't distinguish between fat and muscle mass. Athletic children may have high BMI due to muscle rather than fat.

Q5: What if my child's BMI is high?
A: Consult a healthcare provider for further evaluation. They may assess diet, activity levels, and family history.