1. What is BMI?

BMI (Body Mass Index) is a measure of body fat based on height and weight that applies to adult men and women. For children and 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:

Where:

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

Explanation: The result is then compared against age- and sex-specific percentiles for female teenagers.

3. Importance of BMI Calculation

Details: BMI is a screening tool that can indicate whether a teenager is underweight, at a healthy weight, overweight, or obese. However, it doesn't directly measure body fat.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter weight in kilograms, height in meters, and age between 13-19 years. For accurate results, measure height without shoes and weight with minimal clothing.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Why is BMI different for teenagers than adults?
A: BMI for teens is age- and sex-specific because their body composition varies as they grow and differs between boys and girls.

Q2: What are the BMI categories for female teenagers?
A: Categories are based on CDC growth charts: Underweight (<5th percentile), Healthy weight (5th-85th), Overweight (85th-95th), Obese (≥95th).

Q3: Is BMI accurate for athletic teens?
A: BMI may overestimate body fat in muscular teens since it doesn't distinguish between muscle and fat.

Q4: How often should teens check their BMI?
A: Yearly checks are typically sufficient unless there are specific health concerns.

Q5: What should I do if my teen's BMI is high?
A: Consult a healthcare provider who can perform additional assessments and provide guidance.