1. What is BMI for Children?

Body Mass Index (BMI) is a measure that uses a child's weight and height to assess whether their weight is appropriate for their height. 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:

Where:

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

Note: For children, the raw BMI value should be plotted on a growth chart or compared to age- and sex-specific percentiles.

3. Importance of BMI Calculation

Details: BMI screening for children can help identify potential weight problems, but it's not a diagnostic tool. Healthcare providers use additional assessments to evaluate a child's health status and risks.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter weight in kilograms and height in meters. For most accurate results, measure height without shoes and weight with minimal clothing.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What's a healthy BMI for children?
A: Unlike adults, children's BMI is interpreted relative to growth charts. Generally:

• Underweight: BMI < 5th percentile
• Healthy weight: 5th to <85th percentile
• Overweight: 85th to <95th percentile
• Obese: ≥95th percentile

Q2: Why is BMI different for children than adults?
A: Children's body composition varies by age and sex as they grow, so their BMI must be compared to others of the same age and sex.

Q3: When should I be concerned about my child's BMI?
A: Consult a pediatrician if your child's BMI is below the 5th percentile or above the 85th percentile, or if you notice rapid changes.

Q4: Are there limitations to BMI for children?
A: BMI doesn't distinguish between muscle and fat, so athletic children may have high BMI without excess fat. It's just one measure of health.

Q5: How often should children's BMI be checked?
A: The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends BMI screening at least annually at well-child visits.