If an adolescent's BMI-for-age percentile is 92, which statement best describes their overweight risk?

• A. They are at risk for overweight
• B. They are underweight
• C. They are within the normal range
• D. They are severely overweight

Answer: (A)

In pediatric growth charts, BMI-for-age percentiles categorize weight status by age and sex. A percentile of 92 means this adolescent’s BMI is higher than 92% of peers, placing them in the overweight risk category. The usual breakdown is that 85th–94th percentile corresponds to being at risk for overweight, while 95th percentile and above is labeled overweight/obese. So a 92nd percentile fits the description of being at risk for overweight. It’s not underweight or normal, and it isn’t severely overweight, which would be in the higher percentile ranges.