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BMI (Body Mass Index) for teen girls is a measure that adjusts weight for height to estimate body fat. For children and teens, BMI is age- and sex-specific and is often referred to as BMI-for-age. It helps identify potential weight problems that could lead to health issues.
The calculator uses the standard BMI formula:
Where:
Explanation: The formula calculates body mass index by dividing weight in kilograms by height in meters squared. For teen girls, the result should be interpreted using age-specific growth charts.
Details: BMI is a screening tool that can indicate whether a teen girl is underweight, at a healthy weight, overweight, or obese. However, it doesn't directly measure body fat and should be interpreted by a healthcare professional in context with other assessments.
Tips: Enter weight in kilograms and height in meters. For accurate results, measure height without shoes and weight with minimal clothing. Remember this is a screening tool, not a diagnostic tool.
Q1: What's a healthy BMI for a teen girl?
A: Healthy BMI varies by age. Generally between the 5th and 85th percentiles on age-specific growth charts is considered healthy.
Q2: How often should BMI be calculated for teen girls?
A: Annually is recommended, or more frequently if there are concerns about weight or growth patterns.
Q3: Why is BMI different for teens than adults?
A: Teens are still growing, and their body composition changes with puberty, so BMI must be interpreted relative to their age and sex.
Q4: Can BMI be misleading for athletic teen girls?
A: Yes, muscle weighs more than fat, so athletic girls may have higher BMI without excess fat. Additional assessments may be needed.
Q5: Where can I find BMI-for-age growth charts?
A: The CDC provides growth charts that show BMI percentiles by age and sex for children and teens.