Nutritional Status Indicators

The nutritional status indicators for the CDC Growth Charts include overweight, at risk of overweight, underweight, and short stature.

Percentiles are used to rank an individual or a group on a growth chart and indicate where either fits in the context of the reference population.

Each anthropometric index, percentile cutoffs and nutritional status indicator used to screen children in the CDC Growth Charts is listed below:

Anthropometric Index	Percentile Cut Off Value	Nutritional Status Indicators
BMI-for-age	> 95th Percentile	Overweight
Weight-for-length/stature	> 95th Percentile	Overweight
BMI-for-age	> 85th and < 95th Percentile	At Risk of Overweight
BMI-for-age Weight-for-length	< 5th Percentile	Underweight
Stature/length-for-age	< 5th Percentile	Short Stature
Head Circumference-for-age	< 5th Percentile > 95th Percentile	Developmental Problems

An appropriate reference population, accurate measurements and age calculations are important factors when assessing childhood growth. Comparing body measurements to the appropriate age and gender specific growth chart enables pediatric health care providers to monitor growth and identify potential health or nutrition related problems.

For detailed information on using the new growth charts, the instruction guide on Use and Interpretation of the CDC Growth Charts provides six steps to follow.