1. What is BMI?

Body Mass Index (BMI) is a simple calculation using a person's height and weight. The formula is BMI = kg/m² where kg is a person's weight in kilograms and m² is their height in meters squared. BMI screens for weight categories that may lead to health problems.

2. How BMI is Calculated

The calculator uses the standard BMI formula:

Where:

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

Explanation: BMI provides a simple numeric measure of a person's thickness or thinness, allowing health professionals to discuss weight problems more objectively with their patients.

3. BMI for Teenage Girls

Details: For teenage girls, the 50th percentile typically falls between 19-22 kg/m². This range is considered average and healthy for most adolescent females.

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: Is BMI accurate for teenagers?
A: BMI is a screening tool but doesn't directly measure body fat. For teens, BMI is age- and sex-specific and plotted on growth charts.

Q2: Why focus on the 50th percentile?
A: The 50th percentile represents the median value where half of the population falls below and half above this point.

Q3: What if my teen is above or below this range?
A: Consult a healthcare provider. Growth patterns vary, and other factors like muscle mass and puberty stage matter.

Q4: How often should BMI be checked in teens?
A: Annual checks are typically sufficient unless there are specific health concerns.

Q5: Are there better measures than BMI?
A: While BMI is convenient, body fat percentage measurements may provide more accurate assessment of body composition.