1. What is BMI for Children?

BMI (Body Mass Index) for children is calculated the same way as for adults, but then compared to age- and gender-specific percentiles. The NHS and CDC provide growth charts to interpret a child's BMI.

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 standardized growth charts from NHS and CDC to determine the child's percentile.

3. Importance of BMI Calculation

Details: BMI percentiles help identify underweight, healthy weight, overweight, and obesity in children, which is important for growth monitoring and health assessment.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter weight in kg, height in meters, age in years (2-18), and select gender. Measurements should be as accurate as possible for proper percentile calculation.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Why use percentiles for children instead of fixed values?
A: Children's body composition changes with age, so percentiles account for normal growth patterns.

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

Q3: How often should children's BMI be checked?
A: Annually for most children, or more frequently if weight concerns exist.

Q4: Are there limitations to BMI for children?
A: BMI doesn't distinguish between muscle and fat, so athletic children may show higher percentiles.

Q5: Where can I find the NHS/CDC growth charts?
A: They're available on the NHS and CDC websites for healthcare professionals.