1. What is BMI for Adolescents?

BMI (Body Mass Index) is a measure of body fat based on height and weight that applies to children and teens. For adolescents, 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

Explanation: The result is compared to CDC growth charts to determine the percentile for the adolescent's age and gender.

3. Importance of BMI Calculation

Details: BMI-for-age is the recommended screening tool for 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, age in years (2-20), and select gender. For accurate results, measurements should be taken with minimal clothing and no shoes.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Why is BMI different for adolescents than adults?
A: Children's body composition varies as they grow, so BMI must be interpreted relative to other children of the same age and sex.

Q2: What are the BMI percentile categories?
A: Underweight (<5th), Healthy weight (5th-85th), Overweight (85th-95th), Obese (≥95th percentile).

Q3: Is BMI accurate for muscular teens?
A: BMI may overestimate body fat in muscular athletes. Additional assessments may be needed.

Q4: How often should BMI be checked?
A: Annual BMI screening is recommended for children and adolescents.

Q5: Where can I find official growth charts?
A: CDC growth charts are available at: https://www.cdc.gov/growthcharts/