1. What is the NHS BMI Calculator for Children?

The NHS BMI calculator for children assesses whether a child's weight is healthy in relation to their height, age and gender. Unlike adult BMI, children's BMI is compared to growth charts to determine percentiles.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the standard BMI formula adjusted for children's growth patterns:

Where:

• \( weight \) — Child's weight in kilograms
• \( height \) — Child's height in meters

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

3. Importance of BMI Calculation for Children

Details: Tracking BMI in children helps identify potential weight problems early. The NHS uses BMI percentiles to classify children as underweight, healthy weight, overweight or obese.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Measure height without shoes and weight with minimal clothing. Enter exact values for accurate results. This calculator is for children aged 2-18 years.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Why is children's BMI different from adults?
A: Children's body composition changes as they grow, so their BMI must be compared to others of the same age and gender.

Q2: What do the percentile categories mean?
A: Below 5th = underweight; 5th-85th = healthy weight; 85th-95th = overweight; Above 95th = obese.

Q3: Is BMI accurate for all children?
A: BMI is a screening tool but may not reflect body fat in very muscular children or those with certain medical conditions.

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

Q5: What if my child is above the healthy weight range?
A: Consult your GP or health visitor for advice on healthy lifestyle changes.