BMI for Children and Teens
BMI is calculated the same way for children as for adults, but the interpretation is different. For children and teens, BMI is compared to growth charts to determine percentile rankings compared to other children of the same age and sex.
BMI Percentile Categories
Underweight: Less than 5th percentile
Healthy: 5th to less than 85th percentile
Overweight: 85th to less than 95th percentile
Obese: 95th percentile or greater
Why Percentiles Matter
Children's bodies are constantly growing and changing. Percentiles account for normal variations in growth patterns between different ages and between boys and girls. A child at the 60th percentile has a BMI greater than 60% of children their age and sex.
Quick Tips
- BMI alone doesn't reflect overall health
- TDEE varies based on activity level
- Consult a healthcare professional for medical decisions
Frequently Asked Questions
BMI-for-age is a useful screening tool but should be combined with other assessments by a pediatrician.
Anything between the 5th and 85th percentile is considered healthy.
Small fluctuations are normal. Large changes should be discussed with a doctor.
Yes, growth patterns differ between sexes, so separate charts are used.
If your child is below the 5th or above the 85th percentile, or if there are sudden changes.