Calculate BMI percentile for children and teenagers based on CDC growth charts
The Body Mass Index (BMI) is a widely used measurement to assess body fat in individuals. For children and teenagers, BMI is age- and sex-specific, often referred to as BMI-for-age. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) provides growth charts that help healthcare providers categorize children into different BMI percentiles, which compare their BMI to other children of the same age and sex.
BMI percentile is calculated by plotting a child's BMI on the CDC's gender-specific growth charts. The percentile indicates the relative position of the child's BMI among children of the same age and sex. For instance, a child at the 50th percentile has a BMI that is average compared to other children, while a child at the 95th percentile has a BMI higher than 95% of other children.
Understanding a child's BMI percentile is crucial for early identification of potential health risks associated with underweight or overweight conditions. Healthcare providers use these percentiles to provide guidance on healthy lifestyle choices and interventions if necessary.
| Age (years) | Sex | Height (cm) | Weight (kg) | BMI | Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10 | Male | 140 | 35 | 17.9 | 75th |
| 12 | Female | 150 | 40 | 17.8 | 50th |