Okay, we’re almost finished. You have your BMI number, and you know your age. Now, it’s time to plot! As you see below, the ages are on the bottom of the chart or x-axis (for those geometry fans out there) and the BMI numbers are on the left and right of the chart or y-axis. You’ll also notice little circles toward the right of the chart that have numbers in them like 5, 10, 25 and all the way up to 95. These numbers are the percentiles and will help us in figuring out where you fit.

 

Find your age on the bottom of the chart and now slide your finger up to locate your BMI (remember that number you used that handy online calculator for). You’ll notice that the color of the chart changes as you move up or down from those little numbered circles. This will help you determine your percentile. Once you’ve plotted your point, look to the circled number on the right in the shaded area that your point was plotted. That’s your BMI-for-age percentile. You did it!

 

Example:

If you’re still a little confused, don’t worry, let’s do one together. Let’s say I calculated my BMI and my number was 19. Okay, so I know my BMI is 19 and I am a 12-year-old boy. I find my age on the bottom, which is pretty close to the middle and start to move my finger up looking for the number 19 (my BMI) on the right or left. Okay, I got it! Based on my age and BMI, I fall into the 75th percentile. If you’re still having trouble doing this, don’t be afraid to ask your family or an adult for help.

 

 

Final Step!

 

Got your BMI? Okay,you're ready for the next and final step!

 

Okay, so now you’ve got your BMI-for-age percentile – what does that percentile mean? The next and final step is to figure out where you fit on the “Weight Status Category Chart.” Let’s take a look at the chart below.

 

There are four different categories that you may fit into. They are “underweight,” “healthy weight,” “overweight” and “obese.” Let’s say you were in the 75th percentile. With that number, you would be a “healthy weight,” according to the chart. If your number was more than 85, you are considered in the “overweight” category.

 

Weight Status Category

Percentile Range

Underweight

Less than 5th Percentile

Healthy weight

5th-85th Percentile

Overweight

85th-95th Percentile

Obese

95th Percentile and greater

 

Keep in mind that, as kids, you are all growing quickly and this can change your BMI-for-age percentile and weight status category. It’s best to find your percentile every 2-3 months to keep track of your weight and health. Come back soon!

 

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Boys Chart