Body weight is an everyday issue for many people. For some, it is a struggle to achieve and maintain their ideal weight. For others, BMI values are just as much a part of everyday life as regular food intake or sufficient sleep.
The body mass index (BMI) is a measure of weight and height. It provides information about whether the kilos displayed on the scales are within the normal range, above or below it.
In short, the body mass index (BMI) is used by the World Health Organization (WHO) as a guide to personal ideal weight. It is not only meaningful for adults. A BMI calculator for children can provide information about the weight condition at an early age.
BMI calculator for children – calculate BMI now
Why does the BMI only make sense for children aged eight and up?
Triggered by a healthy portion of baby fat, infants are often overweight. In infancy, the body fat percentage generally decreases. It then rises again from the age of seven.
So toddlers' weight can fluctuate quite a bit. Especially before growth spurts, children tend to get very hungry. This naturally affects their weight. That's why you should trust your pediatrician's BMI calculator or a BMI table for children during this period.
And speaking of growth spurts: even the most precise calculation is wrong if the respective height is not included. For correct and meaningful results at any age, there is therefore not only a BMI table for children but also a BMI calculator for babies.
BMI children – calculate your own BMI
The basic formula for calculating BMI is quite simple. The formula for BMI for women, BMI for men and BMI for children is the same:
- weight (in kg)/height (in m) squared
Unlike the BMI calculator for adults, the formula for calculating BMI for children must be adjusted accordingly. 1 For this, there are so-called percentiles, which are used to correctly calculate the mass index in children. After all, you want a meaningful result and not one that certifies that children are overweight when they are not.
The following sections will explain the points to be considered for children and adolescents and what percentiles are exactly.
What should be considered in addition to the BMI for children?
Children and adolescents are still growing. Therefore, the various aspects must be taken into account when it comes to the body mass index in children.
- Height
- Sex
- Body fat mass – this can develop very differently in the different growth phases
Growth differs between girls and boys. Body fat mass can develop very differently in the different growth phases. Weight alone therefore says little about a child's state of health. If you notice anything unusual, it is definitely advisable to see a doctor.
What exactly are percentiles?
Percentile curves are used to determine where a child stands in terms of body and weight development compared to their peers. These percentiles are standard value curves that are composed of samples of thousands of children and adolescents.
The 50th percentile describes the exact average. However, all values between the 5th and 95th percentiles are also considered normal. Therefore, they do not require a more detailed medical examination at this stage.
However, it is always a good idea to keep an eye on your child's weight. According to the German Childhood Obesity Working Group, one in five children is already overweight. By calculating BMI values regularly, you can prevent such a case.
And if you want to encourage or support your offspring, you can calculate your own BMI at the same time. This way, you can work together on a healthy lifestyle and achieve your ideal weight.
BMI Calculator – Calculate your BMI now!
- Riley L. BMI – Body Mass Index. WHO – World Health Organization. Published January 1, 2020. Accessed June 30, 2020. https://www.who.int/data/gho/data/themes/topics/topic-details/GHO/body-mass-index
