Body mass index (BMI) is a measure of body fat based on height and weight. It is used to screen for weight-related health problems in children and adults.
For babies, BMI is calculated using a different formula than for adults. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that babies be screened for overweight and obesity using the World Health Organization (WHO) growth charts. These charts show the expected range of BMI for babies of different ages and genders.
BMI is an important tool for assessing a baby’s growth and development. It can help to identify babies who are at risk for weight-related health problems, such as obesity, heart disease, and type 2 diabetes.
The first BMI-for-age charts were developed by researchers at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in 2000. These charts were based on data from a large study of children and adolescents in the United States.