Calculating a child body mass index (BMI) Z-score involves a formula to assess a child’s weight relative to their height for age, expressed as a standard deviation from the median. For instance, a Z-score of 1 indicates that the child is 1 standard deviation above the median weight, while a Z-score of -1 indicates 1 standard deviation below the median.
BMI Z-scores are crucial for monitoring child growth, identifying potential health risks, and providing tailored nutritional interventions. Historically, these scores were calculated manually using growth charts, but advancements in technology have led to automated methods.