Standardized percentile curves of body mass index of Iranian children compared to the US population reference

Area of Science:

• Pediatrics
• Public Health
• Anthropometry

Background:

• Accurate body mass index (BMI) assessment is vital for child health.
• Existing BMI reference data, often based on Western populations, may not accurately reflect diverse ethnic groups.
• Standardized growth charts are essential for monitoring child development and identifying nutritional status.

Purpose of the Study:

• To establish standardized body mass index (BMI) percentile curves specific to Iranian children and adolescents.
• To compare these newly developed Iranian BMI curves with established US population reference data.
• To provide a basis for population-specific health assessments in Iran.

Main Methods:

• A random cluster sample survey was conducted involving 1599 boys and 1702 girls aged 2-18 years from urban Tehran.
• Height and weight measurements were collected by trained health personnel.
• Standardized percentile curves for BMI were constructed based on the collected anthropometric data.

Main Results:

• Standardized body mass index (BMI) reference curves were successfully constructed for both Iranian boys and girls.
• The developed curves demonstrated a good fit with the collected data.
• Comparative analysis revealed distinct developmental patterns in BMI between Iranian and US children.

Conclusions:

• Significant differences between Iranian and US BMI charts highlight the necessity for population-specific reference data.
• The 5th and 95th percentiles from the developed Iranian BMI data can be provisionally used as cut-off points for defining thinness and obesity in children over six years.
• Implementing these population-specific charts is crucial for accurate diagnosis and management of pediatric nutritional status in Iran.