1. What is BMI for Children?

Body Mass Index (BMI) is a measure that uses height and weight to estimate body fat. For children, BMI is age- and gender-specific and is 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

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

3. Importance of BMI Calculation

Details: BMI-for-age is the recommended screening tool for overweight and obesity in children aged 2 years and older. 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 and no shoes.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Why is BMI different for children than adults?
A: Children's body composition varies as they grow, so BMI must be interpreted relative to other children of the same age and gender.

Q2: What do the percentile ranges mean?
A: Underweight (<5th), Healthy weight (5th-85th), Overweight (85th-95th), Obese (≥95th percentile).

Q3: Is BMI accurate for all children?
A: BMI is a screening tool but doesn't directly measure body fat. It may be less accurate for very muscular children or those with certain medical conditions.

Q4: How often should my child's BMI be checked?
A: The NHS recommends annual BMI checks for children aged 2-18 as part of routine health assessments.

Q5: What should I do if my child is overweight?
A: Consult your GP or a pediatric dietitian for personalized advice on nutrition and physical activity.