At what point is a child considered to have an elevated BMI?

A child is considered to have an elevated Body Mass Index (BMI) when their BMI is above the 95th percentile for their age and sex. This classification is based on growth charts developed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), which provide a way to assess the weight status of children in relation to their peers.

When a child's BMI exceeds the 95th percentile, it indicates that they weigh more than 95% of children of the same age and sex. This threshold is critical for identifying obesity and potential health risks associated with excess weight, such as diabetes and cardiovascular issues. In contrast, the other percentiles indicate varying degrees of weight status, with those below the 95th percentile typically considered within a normal range or approaching overweight, but it is the 95th percentile and above that denotes an elevated concern for obesity.