WHO Growth Standards for Children and Adolescents
The World Health Organization (WHO) provides growth standards based on a large international sample of healthy children. Below are general height and weight percentiles for boys and girls up to the age of 18.
Growth Table For Boys:
| Age (years) | Height Percentiles (cm) | Weight Percentiles (kg) |
|---|---|---|
| 0-2 | 45-90 | 2-15 |
| 2-5 | 85-115 | 10-20 |
| 5-10 | 100-140 | 17-38 |
| 10-19 | 130-190 | 30-80 |
Growth Table For Girls:
| Age (years) | Height Percentiles (cm) | Weight Percentiles (kg) |
|---|---|---|
| 0-2 | 45-90 | 2-15 |
| 2-5 | 85-115 | 10-20 |
| 5-10 | 100-140 | 17-38 |
| 10-19 | 125-180 | 28-75 |
Note: These percentiles represent the range within which the majority of healthy children fall. Individual growth may vary, and for precise assessments, it is recommended to consult with a healthcare professional who can interpret growth charts and provide personalized guidance.
Introduction
The World Health Organization (WHO) has developed comprehensive growth standards based on extensive international research to assess the growth and development of children and adolescents. These standards provide valuable benchmarks for healthcare professionals, parents, and caregivers to monitor and ensure the healthy progression of children’s growth. In this article, we explore the general height and weight percentiles for boys and girls up to the age of 18, derived from WHO standards.
Growth Standards Overview
Background
The WHO growth standards are derived from a robust and diverse international sample of healthy children, aiming to represent the best achievable growth under optimal conditions. These standards were developed to replace previous growth references that were based on the growth patterns of children from affluent populations, potentially leading to misinterpretations for children in different regions and under various conditions.
Height and Weight Percentiles
The height and weight percentiles provided by WHO are useful tools for assessing a child’s growth in comparison to their peers. These percentiles categorize children into ranges that represent the distribution of healthy growth within the population.
Height and Weight Percentiles for Boys
Age 0-2
- Height Percentiles (cm): 45-90
- Weight Percentiles (kg): 2-15
Age 2-5
- Height Percentiles (cm): 85-115
- Weight Percentiles (kg): 10-20
Age 5-10
- Height Percentiles (cm): 100-140
- Weight Percentiles (kg): 17-38
Age 10-19
- Height Percentiles (cm): 130-190
- Weight Percentiles (kg): 30-80
Height and Weight Percentiles for Girls
Age 0-2
- Height Percentiles (cm): 45-90
- Weight Percentiles (kg): 2-15
Age 2-5
- Height Percentiles (cm): 85-115
- Weight Percentiles (kg): 10-20
Age 5-10
- Height Percentiles (cm): 100-140
- Weight Percentiles (kg): 17-38
Age 10-19
- Height Percentiles (cm): 125-180
- Weight Percentiles (kg): 28-75
Importance of Individual Variation
While WHO growth standards provide valuable reference points, it’s crucial to recognize that individual growth patterns can vary significantly. Genetics, overall health, and environmental factors all contribute to a child’s unique growth trajectory. Consulting with healthcare professionals for personalized assessments and guidance is recommended.
References
- World Health Organization. (2006). WHO Child Growth Standards: Length/height-for-age, weight-for-age, weight-for-length, weight-for-height and body mass index-for-age: Methods and development. Geneva, Switzerland.
- World Health Organization Multicentre Growth Reference Study Group. (2006). WHO Child Growth Standards: Length/height-for-age, weight-for-age, weight-for-length, weight-for-height and body mass index-for-age: Methods and development. Acta Paediatrica, 450, 76-85.
- de Onis, M., Onyango, A. W., Borghi, E., Siyam, A., Nishida, C., & Siekmann, J. (2007). Development of a WHO growth reference for school-aged children and adolescents. Bulletin of the World Health Organization, 85(9), 660-667.
In conclusion, understanding the WHO growth standards for children and adolescents provides a foundation for monitoring and promoting healthy growth. These standards, backed by extensive research, offer valuable insights into the expected ranges of height and weight for individuals up to the age of 18. Always consult with healthcare professionals for personalized assessments and guidance tailored to your child’s unique needs.
