1. What is BMI for Children?

Body Mass Index (BMI) is a measure of body fat based on height and weight that applies to children and adolescents. For children, BMI is age- and sex-specific and is often 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:

Where:

• \( weight \) — Body weight in kilograms
• \( height \) — Height in meters

Explanation: The result is then compared to WHO growth standards to determine the percentile for the child's age and sex.

3. Importance of BMI Calculation

Details: BMI-for-age is the recommended indicator for screening for overweight and obesity in children and adolescents. It can signal potential weight problems that may lead to health issues.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter weight in kg, height in meters, exact age in years (2-19), and gender. Measurements should be as accurate as possible for correct percentile determination.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What do the percentiles mean?
A: Percentiles show how a child's BMI compares to others of the same age and sex. Below 5th: underweight; 5th-85th: healthy weight; 85th-95th: overweight; Above 95th: obese.

Q2: Why use different charts for children?
A: Children's body composition changes as they grow, so BMI must be interpreted relative to other children of the same age and sex.

Q3: How often should BMI be checked in children?
A: The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends BMI screening annually from age 2.

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

Q5: What if my child is below the 5th percentile?
A: Consult a healthcare provider to evaluate for potential undernutrition or growth issues.