What does BMI mean?
BMI or body mass index is one way of measuring the amount of body fat a person has. BMI is a measure of the ratio of weight in kilograms divided by height in metres squared (kg/m2 ).
In children, BMI changes substantially with age and can differ between boys and girls, rising steeply in infancy, falling during the preschool years and increasing during adolescence and adulthood. That's why a BMI calculation for a child or adolescent must be compared with age and gender percentile charts. A child is considered overweight or obese, if they exceed international cut-off points for their age and sex.
This calculator can be used for anyone from two to 20 years of age.
You will need to input your child's gender, age, height and weight. The calculator will then tell you where your child fits on the percentile chart.
Please note:
- Always see your doctor if you are concerned about your child's growth.
- BMI is used to assess whether a person is underweight, normal weight or overweight.
- As children grow, their amount of body fat changes and so will their BMI.
Information provided courtesy of Better Health Channel, Victorian Government and the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, 2009.