1. What is Pediatric BMI?

Body Mass Index (BMI) is a measure of body fat based on height and weight that applies to children and teens. For children, BMI is age- and sex-specific and is often referred to as BMI-for-age. Percentiles are used to interpret BMI for children because their body composition varies as they grow.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the standard BMI formula:

Then compares the result to CDC/WHO growth charts to determine the percentile based on the child's age and gender.

3. Importance of BMI Percentiles

Details: BMI percentiles are the most commonly used indicator to assess the size and growth patterns of children. They help identify weight problems like underweight, overweight, and obesity in children.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter weight in kilograms, height in meters, age in years (2-19), and select gender. For accurate results, measurements should be taken with minimal clothing and no shoes.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Why use percentiles for children instead of BMI categories?
A: Children's body composition changes as they grow, so percentiles account for age and sex differences in body fat.

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: The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends BMI screening at least annually.

Q4: Are there limitations to BMI for children?
A: BMI doesn't distinguish between fat and muscle mass, so athletic children may have high BMI without excess fat.

Q5: What if my child's BMI is very high or very low?
A: Consult a pediatrician for further evaluation and guidance.