Body mass index is a calculation that can inform you if your weight is in the healthy range for your sex and age. If you are 16 years old, your BMI calculation is determined by assessing the ratio of your height and your weight. The ratio will then be compared to ideal BMI scores to determine if you are overweight or underweight.
Healthy BMI Percentile
The BMI for children and teens is calculated with a standard BMI calculation. Once the number is calculated, you take your number and compare it to the BMI age-growth-chart. A healthy BMI for a 16-year old is a BMI that falls into the fifth percentile to less than the 85th percentile on the chart. This calculation will vary based on age and sex. If you score lower than the fifth percentile, you are considered underweight. If you are between the 85th and the 95th percentile you are overweight, and you are obese if your BMI is equal or greater to the 95th percentile.
How To Calculate BMI
The standard BMI calculation is calculated by taking your body weight and multiplying it by 703. That answer is then divided by your height in inches. That answer is then divided by your height in inches a second time to get your BMI number. This number is then used to see what percentile it falls into based on age and sex. To read the chart, you plot your age on the bottom of the chart and then your BMI on the vertical portion of the chart. The point where these two intersect determines what your percentile is.
Healthy Weight
If your BMI is in the healthy percentile for a 16-year old, then you most likely eat healthy foods and get adequate exercise. If your number is too high, then you need to focus your diet on healthier choices such as fruits, vegetables and whole grains. Limit processed and fast foods, because these foods tend to cause increases in body weight, which will increase your BMI. You should also try and get at least 30 minutes of physical activity each day to help you burn calories and maintain your healthy BMI.
Considerations
The BMI calculation is not a diagnostic tool, but it can give you valuable information. If your number is too high, then it is time to act, because being overweight or obese could lead to serious health problems such as high blood pressure, diabetes, cancer and heart disease. If you are underweight, you may need to add calories to your diet in order to increase your weight and improve your BMI.
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