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 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: What do the percentiles mean?
A: Percentiles show how a child's BMI compares to others of the same age and gender. Below 5th: underweight; 5th-85th: healthy weight; 85th-95th: overweight; 95th+: obese.

Q2: Why use age-specific BMI for adolescents?
A: Body composition varies by age and gender during growth. Age-specific percentiles account for these normal variations.

Q3: How often should BMI be calculated for adolescents?
A: The AAP recommends BMI screening at least annually at well-child visits.

Q4: Are there limitations to BMI?
A: BMI doesn't distinguish between fat and muscle mass. Athletic teens may have high BMI due to muscle rather than fat.

Q5: What if my teen is above the 85th percentile?
A: Consult a healthcare provider for evaluation. They may assess diet, activity levels, and other health indicators.