Weight Percentile Assessment for a 13-Year-Old Girl Weighing 52.2 kg
A 13-year-old girl weighing 52.2 kg falls approximately at the 50th percentile for weight-for-age, which represents normal, healthy growth for her age. 1, 2
Growth Chart Selection and Interpretation
For children aged 5-19 years, the WHO growth reference for school-aged children and adolescents should be used, which was specifically developed to bridge the gap between preschool growth standards and adult BMI cut-offs 2
The CDC growth charts are also appropriate for children aged 2-19 years and can be used interchangeably with WHO charts for this age group, though WHO charts provide better international standardization 1, 2
At 52.2 kg for a 13-year-old girl, this weight falls within the normal range (approximately 25th-75th percentile range), indicating appropriate growth trajectory without concerns for underweight or overweight status 1, 2
Clinical Significance of This Weight
This weight does not trigger any clinical concern thresholds, as it is well above the 2nd percentile (which would indicate potential malnutrition or underlying medical conditions requiring evaluation) and below the 85th percentile (which would suggest overweight) 1, 3
Growth velocity over time is more informative than a single measurement, so serial measurements plotted every 3-6 months on appropriate growth charts help visualize trends and ensure the child maintains a parallel trajectory along her percentile curve 1, 4
The 2nd percentile (2 standard deviations below the median) serves as the threshold where growth may indicate adverse health conditions warranting comprehensive medical evaluation 1
Monitoring Recommendations
Continue routine growth monitoring with measurements plotted on WHO or CDC growth charts at regular health maintenance visits 1
Assess family growth patterns to determine if current percentile reflects genetic potential, as parental heights and weights influence expected child growth trajectories 1
Monitor for crossing percentile lines upward (rapid weight gain) or downward (growth faltering), as these patterns are more clinically significant than static percentile position 1, 4