Final answer:
BMI for individuals aged 2-20 is usually measured by dividing weight in kilograms by height in meters squared. However, for growing children and adolescents, a modified BMI using height in meters cubed may be applied, and reference values are used to assess obesity by comparing against percentiles.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Body Mass Index (BMI) for children and adolescents ages 2 through 20 is measured somewhat differently than for adults. The traditional method of calculating BMI is to divide an individual's weight in kilograms by the square of their height in meters. However, for children and adolescents, growth must be taken into account, which is why BMI is not always a good measure. Because they are still developing, a modified BMI is sometimes used where the weight in kilograms is divided by the height in meters cubed, although this method is not widely established.
BMI for children and adolescents often uses specific reference values for comparison. Obesity in children and adolescents is defined by a BMI that is greater than the 95th percentile for children of the same age in reference samples.
It is essential to note that BMI can sometimes be misleading, particularly among different populations or in individuals with higher muscle mass, such as athletes. Furthermore, the health risks associated with high BMI may vary across different racial groups. Therefore, while BMI can indicate potential health risks such as cardiovascular disease and Type 2 diabetes, it has its limitations and should be considered alongside other health indicators.