1. What is BMI for Teenage Girls?

Body Mass Index (BMI) is a measure of body fat based on height and weight that applies to teenage girls. For adolescents, BMI is age- and sex-specific and is often referred to as BMI-for-age. It compares to growth charts to determine percentiles.

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 girls aged 13-19 years.

3. Importance of BMI Calculation

Details: Tracking BMI during adolescence helps identify potential weight problems that may lead to health issues. It's a screening tool (not diagnostic) for weight categories.

4. Using the Calculator

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

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Why use age-specific BMI for teens?
A: Teens grow at different rates, so BMI must be interpreted relative to others 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: How often should teens check BMI?
A: Annual checks are recommended as part of routine health visits during growth years.

Q4: Are there limitations to BMI for teens?
A: BMI doesn't distinguish between muscle and fat. Athletic teens may have higher BMI without excess fat.

Q5: What if my teen is outside the normal range?
A: Consult a healthcare provider for comprehensive evaluation including diet, activity, and possible blood tests.