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BMI Formula:
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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, BMI is age and sex-specific and is often referred to as BMI-for-age.
The calculator uses the BMI formula:
Where:
Explanation: BMI provides a simple numeric measure of a person's thickness or thinness, allowing health professionals to discuss weight problems more objectively with their patients.
Details: BMI is a reliable indicator of body fatness for most people and is used to screen for weight categories that may lead to health problems. For children, BMI is particularly important as it helps identify potential weight issues that could affect their growth and development.
Tips: Enter weight in kilograms and height in meters. All values must be valid (weight > 0, height > 0). For children, the BMI result should be interpreted using age and sex-specific percentile charts.
Q1: Why is BMI calculation different for children?
A: Children's body composition varies as they age and between boys and girls, so BMI for children is age and sex-specific and is expressed as a percentile.
Q2: What are the BMI categories for children?
A: For children, BMI categories are: Underweight (<5th percentile), Healthy weight (5th to <85th percentile), Overweight (85th to <95th percentile), and Obesity (≥95th percentile).
Q3: How often should children's BMI be measured?
A: Healthcare providers typically measure BMI at all routine checkups. For school-aged children and adolescents, BMI should be calculated at least once a year.
Q4: Are there limitations to BMI for children?
A: BMI does not directly measure body fat and can be influenced by factors like muscle mass, bone density, and puberty stage. It should be used as a screening tool, not a diagnostic tool.
Q5: What should I do if my child's BMI is outside the healthy range?
A: Consult with a healthcare provider who can perform further assessments and provide appropriate guidance on nutrition and physical activity.