Body mass index (BMI) is a measure of body fat based on height and weight. It is an indicator of overall health, and it can be used to screen for weight-related problems in children. The BMI percentile is a number that shows how a child’s BMI compares to other children of the same age and sex. For example, a child with a BMI percentile of 85% is heavier than 85% of children of the same age and sex.
BMI is an important tool for screening for weight-related problems in children. It can help to identify children who are overweight or obese, and it can also help to track changes in a child’s weight over time. BMI is also a useful tool for research on the causes and consequences of obesity.