Body Mass Index

Body Mass Index (BMI): A formula to assess body weight in relation to height. Weight in kilograms is divided by height in metres squared (kg/m2).
BMI has been used for many years for adults, mainly looking at overweight and obese adults. The NHMRC now recommends, however, that the BMI can also be used for children and adolescents.
BMI is calculated using weight and height measurements. This measurement is then compared to the weight relative to height with other children of the same age and gender, using the BMI percentile charts.