1. What is BMI?

Body Mass Index (BMI) is a measure of body fat based on height and weight that applies to teens, boys and 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 standard BMI formula:

Where:

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

Note: For teens, the raw BMI value should be plotted on a growth chart specific to age and gender for proper interpretation.

3. Importance of BMI Calculation for Teens

Details: BMI-for-age is the recommended measure 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 kilograms, height in meters, and exact age (2-19 years). For accurate results, measurements should be taken with minimal clothing and no shoes.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Is BMI accurate for teens?
A: BMI is a good screening tool but not a diagnostic measure. It should be followed up with additional assessments by a healthcare provider.

Q2: What percentile ranges are used for teens?
A: Typically: Underweight (<5th %), Healthy weight (5th-85th %), Overweight (85th-95th %), Obese (≥95th %).

Q3: Why is BMI different for teens than adults?
A: Body composition varies by age and sex during development, so growth charts account for these normal variations.

Q4: How often should teens have BMI calculated?
A: The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends annual BMI screening for all children and teens.

Q5: What if my teen is very muscular?
A: BMI may overestimate body fat in muscular teens. Additional measurements like skinfold thickness may be needed.