In general, BMI is an inexpensive and easy-to-perform method of screening for weight categories that may lead to health problems.Ĭhild & Teen BMI Calculator How is BMI calculated for children and teens?Ĭalculating BMI using the BMI Percentile Calculator involves the following steps: BMI can be considered an alternative to direct measures of body fat. BMI does not measure body fat directly, but research has shown that BMI is correlated with more direct measures of body fat, such as skinfold thickness measurements, bioelectrical impedance, densitometry (underwater weighing), dual energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA) and other methods 1,2,3. For children and teens, BMI is age- and sex-specific and is often referred to as BMI-for-age. In children, a high amount of body fat can lead to weight-related diseases and other health issues and being underweight can also put one at risk for health issues.Ī high BMI can be an indicator of high body fatness. What are the health consequences of obesity during childhood?īody Mass Index (BMI) is a person’s weight in kilograms divided by the square of height in meters.My two children have the same BMI values, but one is considered obese and the other is not.Can I determine if my child or teen is obese by using an adult BMI calculator?.How can I tell if my child is overweight or obese?.What are the BMI trends for children and teens in the United States?.Why can’t healthy weight ranges be provided for children and teens?.Is BMI interpreted the same way for children and teens as it is for adults?.How is BMI used with children and teens?.What is a BMI percentile and how is it interpreted?.

How is BMI calculated for children and teens?.

Children's bmi calculator stanford