Much like in an adult, a teenager's ideal weight is based on his body mass index. Often referred to as simply BMI, this number is calculated by using a teen's height and weight. But where the numeric value of an adult's BMI automatically indicates weight status, a teen is compared with other teens of the same height, age and gender before arriving at this classification.
Body Mass Index
Regardless of age, body mass index is estimated by dividing a person's weight in pounds by his height in inches. The formula looks like this: BMI = [weight / (height x height)] x 703
For a teenager, the numeric value is then plotted on a BMI-for-age growth chart, based on gender and age, indicates the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The placement of the value determines the percentile compared to all other teens.
Ideal BMI
The percentile helps to determine whether a teen is underweight, healthy weight, overweight or obese. Anywhere between the fifth and 84th percentile is ideal, since it signifies that a teen is a healthy weight.
Features
These percentiles are used not only because body fat differs between boys and girls, but also because body fat changes with age, advises the CDC. With a BMI of 26, this number is considered obese for a 13-year-old boy, yet overweight for a 13-year-old girl. This same BMI is considered overweight for 15-year-old male and healthy for a 19-year-old male.
Significance
As BMI encroaches on the 85th percentile, a teenager is considered overweight. Obesity sets in as a teen is ranked in the 95th percentile or above. These classifications place a teen at a higher risk of developing high blood pressure, high blood cholesterol, type two diabetes, asthma and sleep apnea. They may also lead to depression and eating disorders.
Treatment
The standard form of treatment of teens suffering from obesity is weight loss. This is accomplished through a combination of diet and exercise. However, it's best for the entire family to get involved with both facets of this treatment plan. Since families tend to dine together, meals should be rich with fruits, vegetables and whole grains. Protein should come from legumes, seafood, poultry and lean cuts of meat. Dairy should always be low-fat. Exercise needn't be strenuous. Family bike rides, walks in the park, volleyball games or tennis matches can all increase physical activity, which helps promote weight loss.
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