Growth Centile Assessment for 11-Year-Old Girl
For an 11-year-old girl with weight 45.3 kg and height 153.3 cm, she plots at approximately the 75th-85th percentile for height and approximately the 50th-75th percentile for weight on UK-WHO growth charts, indicating above-average stature with proportionate weight. 1
Growth Chart Framework for This Age Group
The UK-WHO growth charts are the recommended standard for children beyond 59 months of age and extend through age 20 years, making them the appropriate tool for this 11-year-old. 1
The CDC growth charts provide an alternative framework for children aged 24 months through 19 years, though UK practice favors WHO charts for continuity. 2, 1
Specific Centile Interpretation
Height Assessment
At 153.3 cm, this girl is substantially above the 50th percentile, placing her in the upper-normal range at approximately the 75th-85th percentile. 1
This height indicates she is taller than 75-85% of girls her age, which represents healthy growth in the upper portion of the normal distribution. 1
Weight Assessment
At 45.3 kg, her weight plots proportionately with her height, likely between the 50th-75th percentile range. 3
The weight-for-height relationship appears balanced, suggesting appropriate body composition for her stature. 3
BMI Consideration
BMI should be calculated (weight in kg ÷ height in meters²) and plotted on BMI-for-age charts to assess proportional growth comprehensively. 3
For this girl: BMI = 45.3 ÷ (1.533)² = approximately 19.3 kg/m², which would plot in the healthy range for an 11-year-old. 3
Clinical Context and Monitoring Recommendations
Family Growth Patterns
Evaluate mid-parental height to determine if this upper-percentile position reflects genetic potential, as parental heights contribute substantially to expected stature. 1, 4
If both parents are tall, this percentile is likely constitutional and represents healthy genetic expression. 4
Serial Measurement Importance
A single measurement provides limited information—serial measurements plotted over time are far more valuable for assessing growth trajectory. 1, 3
Growth velocity (the rate of change between measurements) is more informative than isolated percentile positions for determining normal growth. 3, 4
Monitor every 6-12 months to ensure she maintains an appropriate trajectory along her percentile curve without crossing percentile lines inappropriately. 1
Key Clinical Thresholds
When Further Evaluation Is Warranted
Heights exceeding the 97.7th percentile (approximately 2 standard deviations above the mean) warrant evaluation for potential underlying conditions affecting growth. 1, 3
Downward crossing of percentile lines over time indicates growth faltering requiring investigation, even if absolute measurements remain within normal range. 1, 3
Values below the 2.3rd percentile (2nd percentile on charts) identify children whose growth might indicate adverse health conditions. 3
Common Pitfalls to Avoid
Do not rely on a single measurement—always plot serial measurements to assess trajectory. 1, 4
Ensure accurate measurement technique: use standing height (not recumbent length), calibrated equipment, and proper positioning. 3
Consider that the transition from length to height measurements at age 2 creates an artificial 0.7-0.8 cm decrease, but this is not relevant for an 11-year-old. 2