1. What Is BMI For Children?

BMI for children is a measure that assesses whether a child has a healthy weight for their height, age, and gender. Unlike adults, children's BMI is interpreted using age and gender-specific percentiles.

2. How Does The Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the BMI formula:

Where:

• \( peso \) — Weight in kilograms (kg)
• \( altura \) — Height in meters (m)
• \( IMC \) — Body Mass Index (kg/m²)

Explanation: The BMI value is then compared to standardized growth charts to determine the percentile for the child's age and gender.

3. Importance Of BMI Calculation

Details: Regular BMI monitoring helps identify potential weight problems in children, allowing for early intervention and promoting healthy growth and development.

4. Using The Calculator

Tips: Enter weight in kilograms, height in meters, age in years, and select gender. All values must be valid (weight > 0, height > 0, age between 0-18 years).

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Why use percentiles for children instead of fixed BMI categories?
A: Children's body composition changes as they grow, so percentiles account for normal growth patterns based on age and gender.

Q2: What do the BMI percentiles mean?
A: Below 5th percentile: Underweight; 5th to 85th: Healthy weight; 85th to 95th: Overweight; Above 95th: Obese.

Q3: How often should children's BMI be measured?
A: Regular measurements during pediatric check-ups are recommended, typically annually for healthy children.

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

Q5: What should I do if my child's BMI is concerning?
A: Consult with a pediatrician or healthcare provider for proper assessment and guidance on nutrition and physical activity.