Growth Assessment for 13-Year-Old Boy
Direct Assessment
This 13-year-old boy with weight 89.9 kg and height 166.5 cm falls at approximately the 75th-90th centile for height and well above the 98th centile for weight, indicating significant overweight/obesity according to UK-WHO growth standards. 1
Detailed Centile Analysis
Height Assessment
- Height of 166.5 cm at age 13 years places this boy between the 75th-90th centile for height, indicating above-average stature for his age group 2
- This height is consistent with normal growth patterns and may reflect early pubertal growth spurt or constitutional tall stature 2
- The UK Department of Health recommends WHO growth standards for children, which this assessment follows 1
Weight Assessment
- Weight of 89.9 kg at age 13 years places this boy well above the 98th centile, indicating obesity 3
- This weight is substantially elevated compared to expected norms for this age and height combination 3
- The American Academy of Pediatrics classifies children with BMI ≥95th percentile as obese, with values at or above the 97.7th percentile indicating potential adverse health conditions requiring evaluation 3
BMI Calculation and Interpretation
- Calculated BMI: 32.4 kg/m² (89.9 kg ÷ 1.665² m)
- This BMI places the child well above the 98th centile, meeting criteria for obesity 3, 4
- For comparison, the normal BMI range for 13-year-old boys typically falls between approximately 16-21 kg/m² 2
Clinical Implications
Immediate Actions Required
- Comprehensive assessment for obesity-related complications is warranted, including screening for metabolic abnormalities, cardiovascular risk factors, and potential endocrine disorders 3
- Evaluate contributing factors including dietary patterns, physical activity levels, sleep habits, family history of obesity, and any medications that may contribute to weight gain 3
- Plot measurements on CDC growth charts (recommended for children over 24 months) to visualize growth trajectory over time 1, 3
Growth Pattern Context
- The combination of height at 75th-90th centile with weight well above 98th centile indicates disproportionate weight gain relative to linear growth 2, 3
- This pattern suggests excess adiposity rather than proportional growth, distinguishing it from constitutional tall stature with appropriate weight 2
Monitoring Strategy
- Serial measurements every 2-4 months initially to track BMI trajectory and response to interventions 3
- Use CDC growth charts for ongoing monitoring, as these extend through age 19 years and provide continuity for long-term assessment 1, 3
- Growth velocity and trajectory over time are more informative than single measurements 5
Important Clinical Caveats
- Values at or above the 97.7th percentile (2 standard deviations above median) identify children whose growth indicates potential adverse health conditions 5, 3
- The UK adopted WHO growth standards, which are based on international optimally nourished children, though CDC charts are recommended for children over 24 months 1
- Accurate measurement techniques are critical for valid assessment, particularly ensuring proper height measurement technique 1