Body mass index (BMI) is a relatively new calculation used to measure an individual's obesity through her weight-to-height ratio, but it's become popular in a short span of time. However, it has its flaws, since ideal height-to-weight ratios change over time, and the numbers aren't comprehensive--a weightlifter might be considered obese even if she is in great physical shape. Allowances have been made in some instances by adjusting the BMI charts. One of those adjustments made is for young girls.
Step 1
Find your weight and height. The weight should be in pounds, and the height converted to inches.
Step 2
Multiply the weight by 703.
Step 3
Divide the resulting number by the height in inches squared. The full equation used is:
BMI = (703 * W) / H^2
W stands for your weight in pounds, and H stands for your height in inches.
Step 4
Use a chart specially made for the assessment of BMI for young girls. Follow the link in Resources for such a chart. The scale tends to be lower than the regular BMI. For example, the cutoff for obesity in a 13-year-old girl is 26.2. On a regular BMI scale, 30 is the cutoff.
Tips and Warnings
- Talk to your doctor to determine the significance of your daughter's BMI. The BMI does not take into consideration factors such as body frame and body fat percentage, which can influence the value of the BMI.
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