1. What is the NHS Children BMI Calculator?

The NHS Children BMI Calculator assesses body mass index for children aged 2-18 years based on UK growth charts. It provides BMI along with percentile ranking compared to children of the same age and gender.

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 UK growth reference data to determine the child's percentile for their age and gender.

3. Importance of BMI Calculation for Children

Details: Regular BMI monitoring helps identify underweight, healthy weight, overweight or obesity in children, allowing for early intervention when needed.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Measure weight in light clothing without shoes. Height should be measured standing straight without shoes. Enter age in complete years.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Why is children's BMI different from adults?
A: Children's BMI is age and gender-specific because their body composition changes as they grow.

Q2: What are the NHS BMI percentile categories?
A: Underweight (below 5th percentile), Healthy weight (5th to 85th), Overweight (85th to 95th), Obese (above 95th).

Q3: How often should children's BMI be checked?
A: NHS recommends annual checks from age 2 as part of routine health assessments.

Q4: Are there limitations to BMI for children?
A: BMI doesn't distinguish between muscle and fat, so athletic children may appear overweight. Clinical assessment is needed for diagnosis.

Q5: What should I do if my child is outside healthy range?
A: Consult your GP or school nurse for advice. They may recommend dietary changes or increased physical activity.