Development and interpretation of a machine learning model for predicting body mass index in Chinese adolescents: a prospective cohort study

This study developed a BMI prediction model for adolescents using readily accessible daily information. The model accurately predicts BMI values 1 year later and provides both population-level and individual-level interpretability. Compared to existing studies, it offers key advantages, including independence from complex clinical data, the ability to predict continuous BMI values, and strong model interpretability. Our findings provide a promising research tool for screening high-risk adolescents, informing public health prevention and intervention strategies, and supporting personalized clinical interventions.