1. What is BMI for Children?

Body Mass Index (BMI) is a measure that uses height and weight to assess whether a child's weight is in a healthy range. 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 adjusted for children's growth patterns:

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

3. Importance of BMI Calculation

Details: Tracking BMI-for-age helps identify children who may be at risk for weight-related health problems. It's a screening tool that indicates whether further assessment is needed.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter weight in kilograms, height in meters, age in years (2-18), and select gender. For accurate results, measurements should be recent and taken with proper technique.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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

Q2: What BMI percentile is considered healthy?
A: According to NHS guidelines:

• Below 2nd percentile: Underweight
• 2nd to 91st percentile: Healthy weight
• 91st to 98th percentile: Overweight
• Above 98th percentile: Very overweight (obese)

Q3: How often should my child's BMI be checked?
A: The NHS recommends BMI checks as part of routine health visits at least once per year.

Q4: Are there limitations to BMI for children?
A: BMI doesn't distinguish between muscle and fat, so athletic children may have higher BMIs that don't reflect excess fat.

Q5: What should I do if my child's BMI is outside the healthy range?
A: Consult your GP or a pediatrician for a comprehensive assessment and personalized advice.