Comparison of the 2000 and 2022 BMI-for-Age Growth Charts

The 2000 CDC BMI-for-Age Growth Charts are based on reference data during 1963–80, a period when the prevalence of obesity was much lower than it is today.  The 2000 BMI-for-Age Growth Charts have a maximum plottable BMI of 37 kg/m2 and no percentile lines above the 95th percentile, which makes them not useful as a visual growth tracking tool for children with severe obesity. Because of this, CDC expanded the growth charts using more recent data and methods to track growth of children aged 2 to 20 years with very high BMIs (above the 97th percentile).

The 2022 CDC Extended BMI-for-Age Growth Charts rely on an updated reference population that includes children with obesity and severe obesity during 1999–2016, as well as updated statistical methods to calculate percentiles for children with very high BMIs. This allows for a continuous measure of growth to inform clinical care for children with BMIs above the 97th percentile. The extended growth charts, coupled with quality treatment, can help optimize care for children with severe obesity.

Comparison of the 2000 and 2022 BMI-for-Age Growth Charts
2000 CDC BMI-for-Age Growth Charts 2022 CDC Extended BMI-for-Age Growth Charts
Are based on reference data during 1963–80, a period when obesity prevalence was lower than today. Include additional reference data for children with obesity during 1999–2016.
Have a maximum plottable BMI of 37 kg/m2. Have a maximum plottable BMI of 60 kg/m2.
Do not show percentile curves above the 95th percentile. Add four percentile curves above the 95th percentile (98th, 99th, 99.9th, 99.99th).
Are not recommended for use in children with BMIs above the 97th percentile. Use updated statistical methods to calculate BMI percentiles for children with very high BMIs.
Use color shading as a visual aid for clinicians and families.
Comparison of the 2000 and 2022 BMI-for-Age Growth Charts—Test Your Knowledge
  1. Why were the 2022 CDC Extended BMI-for-Age Growth Charts created?




    That’s correct. All of the above are reasons why CDC created the Extended BMI-for-Age Growth Charts.
  2. The 2022 CDC Extended BMI-for-Age Growth Charts display four additional percentile curves above the 95th percentile to help plot and track growth of children with very high BMIs.


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