1. What is BMI?

Body Mass Index (BMI) is a simple index of weight-for-height that is commonly used to classify underweight, normal weight, overweight and obesity in adults and children. 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

Note: For teenage boys, BMI should be interpreted using age- and sex-specific percentiles rather than the adult categories.

3. Importance of BMI Calculation

Details: BMI is a simple screening tool that can help identify potential weight problems in teenagers. However, it doesn't directly measure body fat and should be used as part of a comprehensive health assessment.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter weight in kilograms and height in meters. For accurate results, measure height without shoes and weight with minimal clothing.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is a healthy BMI for a teenage boy?
A: For teens, BMI is interpreted using age- and sex-specific percentiles. Generally, BMI between the 5th and 85th percentile is considered healthy.

Q2: Why use BMI for teenagers?
A: BMI-for-age is the recommended screening tool for overweight and obesity in children and teens aged 2-19 years.

Q3: What are the limitations of BMI?
A: BMI doesn't distinguish between muscle and fat, so athletic teens may have high BMI without excess fat. It also doesn't account for body fat distribution.

Q4: How often should BMI be checked in teenagers?
A: The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends BMI screening annually for all children and adolescents.

Q5: What should I do if my teen's BMI is high?
A: Consult a healthcare provider for a comprehensive evaluation. They may assess diet, activity levels, and other health indicators.