1. What is BMI for Children?

Body Mass Index (BMI) is a measure that uses height and weight to estimate body fat. 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:

• \( weight \) — Measured in kilograms (kg)
• \( height \) — Measured in meters (m)

Explanation: The result is then compared to age- and sex-specific percentiles based on Australian growth charts.

3. Importance of BMI Calculation

Details: BMI-for-age is the recommended measure for screening overweight and obesity in children and teens. It helps identify potential weight problems that may lead to health issues.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter weight in kg, height in meters, age in years (2-18), and select gender. For accurate results, measurements should be taken with minimal clothing.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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

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

Q3: When should BMI be measured?
A: Routine BMI screening is recommended annually for children aged 2 years and older.

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

Q5: What should I do if my child is in an unhealthy range?
A: Consult with a healthcare provider for a comprehensive evaluation and guidance.