Approximately 19.7% of children and adolescents aged 2 to 19 years in the United States have a body mass index (BMI) at or above the 95th percentile for their age and sex, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) growth charts from 2000. BMI percentile is a key indicator for assessing childhood obesity, plotted on growth charts developed by the CDC, based on population-specific norms for children aged 2 years and older. This public health issue has shown increasing trends with age and disproportionately affects Hispanic/Latino, Native American/Alaska Native, and non-Hispanic Black children, as well as children from lower-income families.
The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommends that clinicians provide or refer children and adolescents aged 6 years or older with a high body mass index (≥95th percentile for age and sex) to comprehensive, intensive behavioral interventions. These interventions are designed to address weight management and promote healthy lifestyle changes.
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