Healthy weight in pediatric BMI percentiles is defined as which range?

• A. <5th percentile
• B. 5th to <85th percentile
• C. 85th to <95th percentile
• D. ≥95th percentile

Answer: (B)

Pediatric BMI percentiles classify weight status using age- and sex-specific charts. The healthy weight range is defined as a BMI between the 5th percentile up to, but not including, the 85th percentile. This reflects how BMI naturally varies as children grow, so a child’s BMI is compared to peers rather than using a fixed number. Below the 5th percentile suggests underweight, the 85th to just under the 95th percentile indicates overweight, and the 95th percentile or higher indicates obesity. For example, a child around the 75th percentile has a BMI similar to most peers and would be considered healthy weight, whereas crossing into the 90th percentile would move into overweight territory.