Find your child’s BMI-for-age percentile, using the CDC charts for ages 2 to 19.
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Why children use percentiles
Children’s body fat changes as they grow and differs between boys and girls, so the adult BMI ranges don’t apply. Instead, a child’s BMI is compared with other children of the same age and sex.
| BMI-for-age percentile | Weight category |
|---|---|
| Below the 5th | Underweight |
| 5th to below the 85th | Healthy weight |
| 85th to below the 95th | Overweight |
| 95th or above | Obesity |
| 120% of the 95th or above | Severe obesity |
Measuring accurately
- Measure height without shoes, standing straight against a wall.
- Weigh in light clothing, ideally at the same time of day.
- Use the date the measurements were taken, not today’s date, if they were taken earlier.
In the UK, the NHS uses UK90 charts and different thresholds for clinical use, so its calculator may give a slightly different result.
Frequently asked questions
Is a high percentile something to worry about?
It’s a screening check. A doctor or school nurse looks at growth over time, family history and other factors before deciding if there’s a problem.
Why does it need the date of birth?
BMI percentiles change month by month as children grow, so age needs to be exact.
Is anything stored?
No, it runs in your browser.
Sources
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