1. What is BMI for Teens?

Body Mass Index (BMI) is a measure of body fat based on height and weight that applies to children and teens. For teens, BMI is age- and sex-specific and is often referred to as BMI-for-age.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the standard BMI formula adjusted for age and gender percentiles:

Where:

• \( Weight \) — Body weight in kilograms
• \( Height \) — Height in meters

Explanation: The result is compared to CDC growth charts to determine the percentile for the child's age and gender.

3. Importance of BMI Calculation

Details: BMI-for-age is the recommended indicator for screening overweight and obesity in children and teens. It helps identify potential weight problems that may lead to health issues.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter weight in kg, height in meters, age in years (2-19), and select gender. For accurate results, measurements should be taken with minimal clothing and no shoes.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Why is BMI different for teens than adults?
A: Children's body composition varies as they grow, so BMI must be interpreted relative to other children of the same age and sex.

Q2: What are the BMI categories for teens?
A: Underweight (<5th %ile), Healthy weight (5th-84th %ile), Overweight (85th-94th %ile), Obese (≥95th %ile).

Q3: How often should teens have BMI calculated?
A: The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends BMI screening at least annually at well-child visits.

Q4: Are there limitations to BMI for teens?
A: BMI doesn't distinguish between fat and muscle mass. Athletic teens with more muscle may have higher BMI without excess fat.

Q5: What should I do if my teen has a high BMI?
A: Consult a healthcare provider for further evaluation. They may assess diet, activity levels, and family history.