Calculating pediatric body mass index (BMI) is a crucial tool in assessing the nutritional status of children. BMI is a measure of body fat based on weight and height, and it is used to identify children who may be underweight, overweight, or obese.
BMI is relevant because it can help healthcare providers detect potential health problems early on. For instance, a child who is overweight or obese may be at risk for developing diabetes, heart disease, and other chronic conditions. Calculating BMI can also help track a child’s growth and development over time.