1. What is BMI for Teens?

Body Mass Index (BMI) is a screening tool that estimates body fat based on height and weight. For teens, BMI is age- and sex-specific and is interpreted using percentile categories rather than adult BMI categories.

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 teens of the same age and sex.

3. Importance of BMI Calculation

Details: BMI screening helps identify potential weight problems in teens, but it's not a diagnostic tool. Healthcare providers use additional assessments to evaluate health status.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter weight in kg, height in meters, and exact age (13-19 years). For accurate results, measure height without shoes and weight in light clothing.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Why use percentiles for teens instead of BMI categories?
A: Teens grow at different rates, so percentiles account for normal variations in body composition during puberty.

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

Q3: Is BMI accurate for athletic teens?
A: BMI may overestimate body fat in muscular teens. Additional measurements like skinfold thickness may be needed.

Q4: How often should teens check BMI?
A: Annual screening is typically sufficient unless recommended more frequently by a healthcare provider.

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