Introduction

The Body Mass Index (BMI)-for-age charts for boys and girls aged 2 to 20 years are a major addition to the new CDC Pediatric Growth Charts. For the first time there is a screening tool to assess risk of overweight and overweight in children and adolescents. This module presents the rationale behind the decision to include the BMI-for-age charts, discusses characteristics of the BMI-for-age charts, and provides an opportunity for practical application of calculating BMI, and plotting and interpreting BMI-for-age through case studies.

Objectives

Upon completion of this module, you will be able to:

  Describe the advantages of using the BMI-for-age charts as a screening tool to evaluate overweight and underweight in children and adolescents

  Calculate BMI using the metric and English methods

  Demonstrate an understanding of the use of the BMI-for-age chart by accurately plotting and interpreting BMI-for-age on the appropriate chart

Table of Contents for this Module and Printable Version of this Module

Estimated Time Needed to Complete the Module

To read through text: 40 minutes
To read through text and complete exercises: 60 minutes

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