Calculating Body Mass Index (BMI) percentile involves determining an individual’s relative weight status among their peers. For instance, a 12-year-old girl with a BMI percentile of 75 means she weighs more than 75% of girls her age and height.
BMI percentile is a crucial indicator of weight-related health risks and plays a significant role in clinical assessments and public health initiatives. Its roots can be traced back to the 1800s when the concept of “normal” weight was introduced, leading to the development of BMI as a standardized measure.