Weight Status Categories Based on BMI Percentiles:
Percentile Range
Weight Status
Less than the 5th percentile
Underweight
5th to less than 85th percentile
Healthy weight
85th to less than 95th percentile
Overweight
95th percentile and above
Obesity
Factors to Consider:
Age and Sex: BMI-for-age percentile charts differ for boys and girls because they have different growth rates.
Growth Patterns: Children grow at different rates, and a child's BMI should be monitored over time rather than focusing on a single reading.
Health Evaluation: BMI is just a screening tool. A health care provider should assess a child’s growth pattern, activity level, diet, and overall health.
Sample BMI-for-Age Percentile Table (for Boys and Girls)
This table shows the approximate BMI values corresponding to the different percentiles for children at specific ages. Note that these are example values. Actual values can vary based on growth charts used in clinical settings.
Boys BMI-for-Age Percentiles (2–20 years)
Age (Years)
5th Percentile
50th Percentile
85th Percentile
95th Percentile
2
14.5
16.6
18.0
19.1
5
14.0
15.4
17.0
18.0
10
14.2
17.0
19.5
21.0
15
17.0
20.1
23.0
25.0
20
18.5
22.0
25.0
27.0
Girls BMI-for-Age Percentiles (2–20 years)
Age (Years)
5th Percentile
50th Percentile
85th Percentile
95th Percentile
2
14.0
16.0
17.5
18.5
5
13.5
15.3
17.0
18.0
10
14.0
17.0
19.0
21.0
15
16.5
19.5
22.5
24.5
20
18.0
21.0
24.0
26.0
Key Points:
Tracking over Time: Monitoring a child's BMI percentile over time is more useful than relying on one number.
Interpreting Results: A child with a BMI in the overweight or obese category may not necessarily have excess body fat but could have higher muscle mass.
Consulting Health Professionals: Always seek advice from a healthcare provider to accurately interpret BMI and to consider the child's overall health.