What is a normal BMR for a teenage boy?

Typically 1,500–1,900 calories/day, rising with lean-mass growth through the late teens. A 15-year-old 150 lb boy at 5'8" is usually around 1,700 BMR.

Should teens diet to lose weight?

Only under professional supervision. The preferred approach for higher-BMI teens is weight stabilisation + growth — letting height catch up to weight — not caloric restriction. See Chapter 5.

Is it safe for teens to work out?

Yes — properly programmed resistance training is safe from early adolescence and promotes bone density + healthy body composition. Meta-analyses show no growth-plate injury risk at appropriate loads.

BMR Calculator for Teens (Age 13–19)

Adolescence is the single most metabolically demanding life stage outside of pregnancy. Teens have BMRs that are deceptively high per unit of body mass because of growth, pubertal hormone shifts, and greater proportional lean tissue. Applying adult Mifflin-St Jeor often under-reads teen BMR by 5–10%. This calculator uses adolescent-validated equations (Schofield/FAO-WHO style) and — critically — flags the minimum calorie floors below which growth, bone mineralisation, and menstrual cycles are at risk. It is an educational tool only; teen nutrition decisions should involve a GP, sports dietitian, or pediatrician.

Written by Marcus Reed, CISSN· Certified Sports Nutritionist (ISSN)

Medically reviewed by Dr. Amara Johnson, MD

Last reviewed April 20, 2026

5 min read

Calculate Now — Free, No Signup

Sex

Age

Weight (kg)

Height (cm)

Key Facts: BMR Calculator for Teens

✓Teen BMR is typically 10–15% higher per kg than adult BMR
✓Growth plates close at ~16 in girls, ~18 in boys — nutrition matters
✓Calorie floors: ~1,600 for teen girls, ~1,800 for teen boys
✓Iron, calcium, vitamin D, and protein are the non-negotiable minima

Special Considerations for Teenagers (13–19)

⚡Do not use this calculator to prescribe dieting — seek professional advice
⚡Menstrual irregularity is a red-flag sign of under-eating in teen girls
⚡Resistance training is safe and beneficial with correct supervision
⚡Disordered-eating screening is essential if rapid weight loss is desired

BMR Calculator for Teens: Frequently Asked Questions

Typically 1,300–1,600 calories/day depending on weight, height, and stage of puberty. A 14-year-old 120 lb girl at 5'4" is usually around 1,400 BMR.

Calculators

Research Chapters

Glossary

Ready to Get Your Personalized Plan?

Our AI-powered calculator creates a plan tailored to your unique metabolism, goals, and lifestyle — backed by 600+ research citations.

Calculate My Teen BMR — It's Free

Related Calculators

Bmr Calculator Tdee Calculator Body Fat Calculator

Recommended For Your Fat Loss Journey

Mitolyn Metabolic Booster

Mitochondrial energy support

$59-79Learn More →

Affiliate disclosure: We may earn a commission at no cost to you. This helps support free tools and content.

📧

Get Your Free Free 7-Day Fat Loss Meal Plan PDF

Evidence-based meal plans, recipes, and fat loss strategies delivered to your inbox.

No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. We respect your privacy.

Medical Disclaimer: This calculator provides estimates based on population-level research formulas. Individual results may vary. Consult a healthcare professional before starting any diet or exercise program. This tool is not a substitute for professional medical advice.