Calculating Body Mass Index (BMI) Percentile for Children refers to determining the relative position of a child’s BMI compared to others of the same age and sex.
BMI percentile is crucial for assessing a child’s weight status and growth patterns. It helps healthcare professionals identify underweight, healthy weight, overweight, and obese children, allowing for timely interventions to promote healthy growth and prevent related health risks. The concept of BMI percentiles traces back to the early 20th century when growth charts were developed to monitor children’s growth and identify deviations from normal.