Growth Centile Assessment for 16-Year-Old Girl
For a 16-year-old girl with weight 71 kg and height 168.1 cm, the weight centile is approximately at the 75th-85th percentile and height is approximately at the 50th-75th percentile on UK-WHO growth charts, indicating normal growth parameters with weight slightly higher relative to height. 1, 2
Calculated BMI and Clinical Interpretation
BMI calculation: 71 kg ÷ (1.681 m)² = 25.1 kg/m², which falls into the adult overweight category (BMI 25-29.9) and represents approximately the 85th-90th percentile for a 16-year-old girl. 1
This BMI places her above the 85th percentile threshold but below the 95th percentile (obesity threshold), indicating she is in the overweight range but not yet meeting criteria for obesity in adolescents. 1
The discrepancy between height centile (50th-75th) and weight centile (75th-85th) indicates disproportionate weight gain relative to height, which is clinically significant and warrants attention. 1
Growth Chart Framework for This Age Group
The UK-WHO growth charts are the appropriate standard for this 16-year-old, as they extend through age 20 years and are recommended for adolescents beyond 59 months of age. 1, 2
CDC growth charts are also appropriate for children aged 24 months and older, providing continuity through age 19 years, though UK practice typically uses UK-WHO charts. 3, 1
Clinical Significance and Monitoring
Serial measurements over time provide more valuable information than single measurements for assessing growth trajectory and determining whether this represents stable tracking along her percentile curve or progressive weight gain. 1, 4
Regular monitoring every 6-12 months is recommended to track BMI changes and ensure appropriate growth trajectory maintenance, particularly given the elevated BMI relative to height. 1
Weight status in this range during adolescence increases risk for progression to adult obesity, with adolescents at the 75th-85th percentile being significantly more likely to become overweight adults. 1
Important Clinical Considerations
A BMI of 25.1 kg/m² at age 16 is concerning as it falls into the adult overweight category and increases risk for diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and certain cancers if maintained into adulthood. 1
Lifestyle modification focusing on dietary changes and increased physical activity is warranted now rather than waiting, as obesity patterns established in adolescence are difficult to reverse. 1
Family-based interventions are most effective for adolescent weight management at this stage. 1
Growth velocity and previous growth trajectory should be reviewed alongside current measurements to determine if this represents recent weight gain or long-standing pattern. 2