1. What is BMI for Teen Girls?

BMI (Body Mass Index) is a measure of body fat based on height and weight that applies to teen girls. 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 BMI formula:

Where:

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

Explanation: The formula calculates body mass index by dividing weight by the square of height.

3. Importance of BMI Calculation

Details: BMI is a screening tool to identify potential weight problems in teen girls. It helps assess whether a teen is underweight, at a healthy weight, overweight, or obese for her age and height.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter weight in kilograms and height in meters. All values must be valid (weight > 0, height > 0).

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: How is BMI different for teens compared to adults?
A: For teens, BMI is age- and sex-specific and is plotted on growth charts to determine percentiles rather than using fixed categories.

Q2: What is a healthy BMI range for teen girls?
A: Typically between the 5th and 85th percentiles on the CDC growth charts, though exact ranges vary by age.

Q3: When should BMI be measured?
A: Regular BMI measurements during annual check-ups can help track growth patterns and identify potential issues early.

Q4: Are there limitations to BMI for teens?
A: BMI doesn't directly measure body fat and may be misleading for very muscular teens or those with different body compositions.

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