1. What is BMI for Teenage Boys?

Body Mass Index (BMI) is a measure of body fat based on height and weight that applies to teenage boys. 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 then compared to CDC growth charts to determine the percentile for boys aged 13-19 years.

3. Importance of BMI Calculation

Details: BMI-for-age is the most commonly used indicator to screen for underweight, overweight, and obesity in teenage boys. 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 age between 13-19 years. For accurate results, measurements should be taken with minimal clothing and no shoes.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Why use BMI-for-age instead of regular BMI?
A: For teenagers, BMI must be interpreted relative to other teens of the same age and sex because their body composition varies as they grow.

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

Q3: How often should BMI be checked?
A: Yearly checks are recommended for most teens, or more frequently if weight concerns exist.

Q4: Are there limitations to BMI?
A: BMI doesn't distinguish between muscle and fat, so muscular teens may have high BMI without excess fat.

Q5: What if my teen is below 13 or above 19?
A: This calculator is specifically designed for teenage boys 13-19 years. Other calculators exist for younger children and adults.