1. What is Childhood BMI?

Body Mass Index (BMI) is a measure that adjusts body weight for height. For children and teens, BMI is age- and sex-specific and is often referred to as BMI-for-age. It's an important screening tool for weight categories that may lead to health problems.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the standard BMI formula adjusted for age and gender:

Where:

• \( Weight \) — Body weight in kilograms
• \( Height \) — Height in meters
• Age — Child's age in years (2-19 years)
• Gender — Biological sex (male/female)

Explanation: The result is compared to CDC growth charts to determine the BMI percentile for age and gender.

3. Importance of BMI Calculation

Details: Childhood BMI is used to screen for weight categories (underweight, healthy weight, overweight, obesity) that may lead to health problems. It's a reliable indicator of body fatness for most children and teens.

4. Using the Calculator

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

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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

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

Q3: When should BMI be measured in children?
A: The AAP recommends BMI screening annually from age 2, and at all well-child visits.

Q4: Are there limitations to BMI?
A: BMI doesn't directly measure body fat and may misclassify muscular children or those with different body compositions.

Q5: What should I do if my child's BMI is concerning?
A: Consult with a pediatrician who can perform further assessments and provide guidance on healthy growth.