1. What is Body Mass Index (BMI)?

Body Mass Index (BMI) is a measure of body fat based on height and weight that applies to both adult men and women. For children and teens, 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)

Explanation: The result is then compared to CDC growth charts to determine the percentile and weight category based on the child's age and gender.

3. Importance of BMI Calculation for Children

Details: BMI screening for children can identify potential weight problems, but it is not a diagnostic tool. For a diagnosis, healthcare providers need to perform further assessments.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter weight in kilograms, height in meters, age in years (2-19), and select gender. All values must be valid for accurate calculation.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Why is BMI different for children?
A: Children's body composition varies as they age, so BMI must be interpreted relative to other children of the same age and sex.

Q2: What are the CDC BMI percentile categories?
A: Underweight (<5th percentile), Healthy weight (5th to <85th percentile), Overweight (85th to <95th percentile), Obese (≥95th percentile).

Q3: Is BMI accurate for all children?
A: BMI may overestimate body fat in muscular children and may not reflect body fat distribution. It's a screening tool, not a diagnostic measure.

Q4: How often should children's BMI be measured?
A: Annual BMI screening is recommended for children aged 2 years and older as part of routine health maintenance.

Q5: What if my child's BMI is outside the normal range?
A: Consult with a healthcare provider for proper assessment and guidance. They may consider additional factors like growth patterns and family history.