Weight and Height Centile Assessment for a 15-Year-Old Girl
Based on the available evidence, a 15-year-old girl with a height of 157.8 cm and weight of 47 kg would fall approximately between the 25th-50th centile for both height and weight according to UK WHO growth charts.
BMI Assessment
- Calculating BMI: 47 kg ÷ (1.578 m)² = 18.9 kg/m², which falls within the normal BMI range (18.5-24.99 kg/m²) for her age 1
- This BMI indicates appropriate weight for height without evidence of underweight or overweight status 2
Clinical Interpretation
- The combination of height and weight both falling in similar centile ranges suggests a healthy, proportional growth pattern 2
- A BMI of 18.9 kg/m² is within the normal range, indicating balanced growth and appropriate weight for height 2
- Growth velocity is as important as absolute measurements; serial measurements over time provide more valuable information about growth patterns than single measurements 3
Growth Monitoring Considerations
- Regular monitoring of growth parameters is essential to track changes in BMI and growth trajectory over time 3
- Parental heights should be considered when interpreting growth charts to account for genetic potential 2
- Plotting measurements on growth charts helps visualize the growth pattern over time and detect any deviations from the expected trajectory 2
Common Pitfalls to Avoid
- Avoid focusing solely on a single measurement point; growth trajectory over time is more clinically meaningful 3
- Remember that normal growth patterns can vary, and assessment should consider multiple factors including genetic potential, pubertal stage, and overall health 2
- Be aware that at age 15, many girls have completed or are nearing completion of their pubertal growth spurt, which affects interpretation of growth charts 3