Which BMI-for-age percentile range indicates a child is at risk for being overweight?

• A. Greater than or equal to the 85th percentile and less than the 95th percentile
• B. Less than the 5th percentile
• C. Between the 5th and 85th percentile
• D. Greater than the 95th percentile

Answer: (A)

BMI-for-age percentiles compare a child’s BMI with that of peers of the same age and sex. When a child’s BMI falls from the 85th percentile up to, but not including, the 95th percentile, that places them “at risk for overweight”—their weight is higher than most peers but not yet in the overweight range. Below the 5th percentile suggests underweight, and the healthy range sits from the 5th to less than the 85th percentile. At or above the 95th percentile is classified as overweight/ob obesity. So the 85th to less than 95th percentile range is the one that indicates risk for overweight.