Use the CDC growth charts to find your child's BMI percentile, a key indicator of healthy development for ages 2 to 20.
BMI (Body Mass Index) for kids and teens is a measure of weight relative to height, adjusted for age and gender. Unlike with adults, BMI in children must be compared against percentile growth charts from the CDC or WHO to determine a child’s weight status: underweight, healthy, overweight, or obese.
| Percentile Range | Weight Status |
|---|---|
| Less than 5th percentile | Underweight |
| 5th to 84th percentile | Healthy weight |
| 85th to 94th percentile | Overweight |
| 95th percentile or above | Obese |
BMI is a screening tool, not a diagnostic tool. It can be misleading in athletic or muscular children. **Always consult a pediatrician** to interpret the results and assess a child's overall health.
