1. What is BMI for Teens?

BMI-for-age is the measure used to assess weight status in children and teens aged 2-19 years. For teens, BMI is age- and sex-specific and is compared to growth charts to determine weight category.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the standard BMI formula:

Where:

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

Explanation: The result should be interpreted using CDC growth charts for boys aged 2-19 years.

3. Importance of BMI Calculation

Details: BMI screening helps identify potential weight problems in teens, but it's not a diagnostic tool. Healthcare providers should perform further assessments.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter weight in kilograms, height in meters, and age in years. For accurate results, measurements should be taken with minimal clothing and no shoes.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What do BMI percentiles mean for teens?
A: Underweight (<5th percentile), Healthy weight (5th to <85th), Overweight (85th to <95th), Obese (≥95th percentile).

Q2: Why use BMI-for-age instead of regular BMI?
A: Children's body composition changes as they grow, so BMI must be interpreted relative to others of the same age and sex.

Q3: How often should teens have BMI calculated?
A: The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends annual BMI screening for all children and adolescents.

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

Q5: Where can I find CDC growth charts?
A: CDC growth charts are available at https://www.cdc.gov/growthcharts/clinical_charts.htm