Using the 2000 & 2022 CDC Growth Charts
Anthropometric Indices
Weight and height (also referred to as stature), are commonly used to assess growth of children and teens aged 2 to 20 years. When weight or height is combined with age the result is an anthropometric index. The 2000 CDC Growth Charts that are recommended for use in children and teens aged 2 to 20 years reflect three anthropometric indices that are sex specific.
BMI-for-age is an anthropometric index of weight and height combined with age. BMI-for-age is used to classify children and teens as having underweight, healthy weight, overweight, or obesity.
Stature-for-age describes linear growth relative to age. Stature- or length-for-age is used to define shortness or tallness.
Weight-for-age reflects body weight relative to age and might be influenced by recent changes in health or nutritional status. It is not used to classify children and teens as having underweight or overweight. However, it can be important to help explain changes in BMI-for-age in some children and teens.