As with adults, body fat is an important determinant of health in teenagers. While a wide range of body fat percentages are considered acceptable, particularly for boys, during the rapid stage of growth that takes place during adolescence, excessive body fat can put your teen at risk for serious health problems later in life. It's thus important for parents to encourage healthy eating habits in their teenagers to promote a healthy weight and body fat percentage.
Normal Range
A wide range of body fat percentages are considered natural or normal for an adolescent boy. According to research conducted by Britain's Child Growth Foundation and published by "International Journal of Obesity" in 2006, a "normal" percentage of body fat for a 14-year-old male ranges between 10.9 percent and 21.3 percent. Having a body fat percentage that is above or below this range is considered "underfat or "overfat." Per these classifications, a 14-year-old boy with a body fat percentage of 25.9 or higher is considered obese.
Measurement Techniques
The body fat percentage for a 14-year-old male can be calculated using one of several techniques. One of these is the skinfold method, which involves using specialized calibers to measure sites at the chest, thigh and abdomen. According to the American Council on Exercise, measurement errors with this method commonly occur due to improper site determination and measurement, however. More accurate body fat percentage measurements can be obtained from methods such as dual energy X-ray absorptiometry -- or DXA -- air displacement plethysmography and underwater weighing. These methods may be expensive and not available at all locations, though.
Body Mass Index
While it doesn't directly measure body fat, body mass index, or BMI, is a preferred method of determining body fatness in children and teens, as it is both reliable and inexpensive. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, research has shown that BMI correlates to direct measures of body fat, such as underwater weighing and DXA. For a teenager, BMI measurements are determined using the teen's age, gender, height and weight. You can calculate BMI by hand or by using an online calculator provided by the CDC. According to the CDC, a healthy BMI score for a 14-year-old boy ranges from about 15.9 to about 22.6.
Considerations for Parents
A teenage boy with low or high body fat may be vulnerable to certain health and social problems. If body fat too high, your teen may be at increased risk for diseases such as cardiovascular disease and diabetes, as well as psychosocial risks such as social discrimination and low self-esteem. Not having enough body fat can also put your child at risk for certain health problems, and it may indicate a serious underlying health problem or eating disorder. If you're concerned about your teen's weight, have your child evaluated by a doctor or psychological counselor.
References
- "International Journal of Obesity"; Body Fat Reference Curves for Children; H.D. McCarthy, et al.; February 2006
- American Council on Exercise Percent Body Fat Calculator
- MayoClinic.com; Body Fat Analyzers: How Accurate Are They?; Edward R. Laskowski, M.D.; March 2010
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: About BMI for Children and Teens
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Body Mass Index for Age Tables, Children Ages 2-20 Years Selected Percentiles
- NY Times Health Information: Weight Loss -- Unintentional
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