Understanding Healthy Weight for 15-Year-Olds: BMI & Guidelines

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) considers a child to be obese if their body mass index (BMI) is at or above the 95th percentile for their age and sex. BMI is a measure of body fat based on height and weight.

To calculate a 15-year-old's BMI, use the formula:

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BMI = weight in kilograms / height in meters squared (kg/m2)

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For example, a 15-year-old boy who is 160 centimeters (cm) tall and weighs 65 kilograms (kg) would have a BMI of:

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BMI = 65 / (1.6 x 1.6) = 25

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A BMI of 25 is considered overweight for a 15-year-old boy. A BMI of 30 or higher is considered obese.

Obese weight for a 15-year-old is as follows:

- Females: Weight more than 170 pounds (77.1 kilograms)

- Males: Weight more than 185 pounds (83.9 kilograms)