1. What is BMI for Children?

Body Mass Index (BMI) for children and teens is calculated the same way as for adults, but the interpretation is different. 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:

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

3. Importance of BMI Calculation

Details: BMI-for-age is the recommended indicator for screening overweight and obesity in children and teens. It's a reliable indicator of body fatness for most children.

4. Using the Calculator

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

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Why is BMI interpreted differently for children?
A: Children's body composition varies as they grow, and between boys and girls. BMI-for-age accounts for these differences.

Q2: What are the BMI categories for children?
A: Based on percentiles: Underweight (<5th), Healthy weight (5th-85th), Overweight (85th-95th), Obese (≥95th).

Q3: How often should children's BMI be checked?
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 teens may have high BMI without excess fat.

Q5: Where can I find WHO growth charts?
A: WHO growth standards are available on the World Health Organization website.