1. What is BMI?

Body Mass Index (BMI) is a measure that uses height and weight to work out if a child's weight is healthy. For children and teens, BMI is age- and sex-specific and often referred to as BMI-for-age.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the standard BMI formula:

The result is then compared to Australian growth charts to determine the percentile and weight status category.

3. Importance of BMI for Children

Details: Tracking BMI in children helps identify potential weight problems that may lead to health issues. The NHS-style guidelines provide age- and sex-specific percentiles for Australian children.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter weight in kilograms, height in meters, and age in years (2-18 years). Measurements should be as accurate as possible for reliable results.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What BMI percentile is considered healthy?
A: Generally, BMI between the 5th and 85th percentiles is considered healthy weight for age.

Q2: How often should my child's BMI be checked?
A: Annual checks are recommended as part of routine health assessments.

Q3: Are there limitations to BMI for children?
A: BMI doesn't distinguish between muscle and fat, so athletic children may show higher BMI without excess fat.

Q4: What if my child is below the 5th percentile?
A: This may indicate underweight and should be discussed with a healthcare provider.

Q5: Where can I find official Australian growth charts?
A: The Australian Government Department of Health provides growth charts based on WHO standards.