Assessing Child Growth Using Body Mass Index (BMI)-for-Age Growth Charts - Training Objectives

Q: How do you choose the correct growth chart for infants and older children?

For birth to 2 years, use WHO standards. For ages 2 to 20, use CDC growth charts.

Q: What is BMI and how is it calculated for children?

BMI is calculated using weight and height: BMI = Weight (kg) / Height (m)^2. It compares weight relative to height and serves as an indirect screening test for body fatness.

Q: How is BMI-for-age used to determine weight status in children and teens?

BMI-for-age is age- and sex-specific. Plot BMI to find the percentile, then use the percentile range to categorize weight status (obese, overweight, normal, or underweight).

Oct 13, 2026

Upload by Damian

This training presentation explains how to assess child growth using BMI-for-age growth charts, aligning chart selection with recommended standards for different age groups. It defines BMI, outlines the BMI calculation from weight and height, and describes BMI-for-age as an indirect screening measure for body fatness while noting limitations across lean and fat mass. It details how to determine percentile and weight category for children and teens, and compares cutoff approaches for adults.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryPresentations

FormatPDF

Pages61

Reading Time21 min

AccessFree to download

Training Objectives

Chart selection by age group

What is Body Mass Index (BMI)?

Why use BMI-for-age

BMI cutoff values for adults

BMI changes with age (examples)

BMI for children & teens (percentile ranges)

Assessing Child Growth Using Body Mass Index (BMI)-for-Age Growth Charts Adapted by the State of California CHDP Nutrition Subcommittee from materials developed by California Department of Health Care Services − Children’s Medical Services Branch Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Maternal and Child Health Bureau Training Objectives By the end of this presentation, you will be able to: • Select appropriate growth chart for age group • Identify the age range for which Body Mass Index (BMI) screening is used • Calculate or determine BMI value • Plot BMI value on the appropriate growth chart • Determine BMI-for-age percentile • Identify weight category • Record results on PM 160 Which Growth Chart Should I Use? Birth to 2: • Use WHO 2 to 20: • Use CDC Which Growth Chart Should I Use? Background Information: In September 2010, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), the National Institutes of Health (NIH), and the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommended that health care providers use World Health Organization growth standards for assessment of growth of infants from birth to 24 months. The 2009 WHO Growth Charts describe a standard for how healthy children should grow under optimal environmental and health conditions. The charts were developed from a multicenter research study of infants in six countries. These infants were predominantly breastfed for at least four months and continued to breastfeed during the introduction of complementary foods between four and twelve months of age. The familiar CDC Growth Charts (2000) are growth references describing how certain children grew ina particular place and time, not necessarily in environments for optimal growth. The CDC growth charts published in 2000 continue to be recommended for use with children ages 2 to 20. What is Body Mass Index? • A number calculated using weight and height measurements: o Body Mass Index (BMI) = Weight (kg) / Height (m)² • It compares a person’s weight to height • It is an indirect screening test for body fatness What is Body Mass Index? Background Information: Although BMI is a fairly accurate indicator of body fat, it may overestimate or underestimate actual body fat. BMI does not take into account the difference between lean mass (muscle, bone and organs) and fat mass. Athletes, for example, may have high BMIs even though the percentage of body fat is low. In children with BMIs ≥ 85th percentile, the BMI is a good indicator of excess fat. However, the differences in the BMIs of relatively thin children (that is, BMI for age < 85th percentile) can be largely due to differences in lean mass. BMI-for-age is a less reliable indicator for body fat in children classified as underweight. Why Use BMI-for-Age? • Lifetime tracking tool oFrom age 2 through adult • Relates weight, stature and age • Screening for health and nutrition status required by CHDP and health plans • Early indicator of other health risk factors o Hyperlipidemia oElevated insulin o High blood pressure Body Mass Index Cutoff Values for Adults • Standard weight categories • Same for all ages 18 + • Same for men and women | Weight Status | BMI | | --- | --- | | Obese | 30.0 and above | | Overweight | 25.0-29.9 | | Normal | 18.5-24.9 | | Underweight | Below 18.5 | For Children, BMI Changes with Age Example: Child’s growth tracking along 95th percentile | Age | 2 | 4 | 9 | 13 | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | BMI Value | 19.3 | 17.8 | 21.0 | 25.1 | BMI for Children & Teens • Age-and sex-specific • Plot BMI to find percentile • Determine weight status | Weight Status Category | Percentile Range | | --- | --- | | Obese | ≥ 95th percentile | | Overweight | 85th to < 95th percentile | | Normal | 5th to < 85th percentile | | Underweight | < 5th percentile |

FAQs

How do you choose the correct growth chart for infants and older children?

For birth to 2 years, use WHO standards. For ages 2 to 20, use CDC growth charts.

What is BMI and how is it calculated for children?

BMI is calculated using weight and height: BMI = Weight (kg) / Height (m)^2. It compares weight relative to height and serves as an indirect screening test for body fatness.

How is BMI-for-age used to determine weight status in children and teens?

BMI-for-age is age- and sex-specific. Plot BMI to find the percentile, then use the percentile range to categorize weight status (obese, overweight, normal, or underweight).

Oct 13, 2026

Upload by Damian