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Body mass index reference values (mean and SD) for Swedish children
J Karlberg1, Z C Luo, K Albertsson-Wikland
1Clinical Trials Centre and Department of Pediatrics, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, PR China. jpekarl@hkucc.hku.hk
Acta Paediatrica (Oslo, Norway : 1992)
|February 21, 2002
Summary
This study presents new Body Mass Index (BMI) reference ranges for Swedish children, offering mean and standard deviation (SD) values to supplement existing centile charts. These enhanced BMI charts aid in evaluating pediatric growth and nutritional status.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Nutrition
- Biostatistics
- Anthropometry
Background:
- Body Mass Index (BMI) is a key indicator of nutritional status in children.
- BMI's positively skewed distribution necessitates specialized reference values beyond mean and SD.
- Existing growth charts often use mean and SD, highlighting a need for similar BMI references.
Purpose of the Study:
- To derive mean and +/- 1, 2, and 3 SD BMI reference ranges for Swedish children.
- To supplement previously published BMI centile reference values.
- To provide clinically valuable BMI reference charts analogous to height and weight charts.
Main Methods:
- Utilized an age-dependent Box transformation method.
- Defined the beta-value as a third-degree polynomial function of pediatric age.
- Calculated mean and SD BMI reference ranges.
Main Results:
- Derived BMI reference values and charts reflecting age-dependent positive skew.
- Mathematical functions were developed for BMI reference values at specific ages.
- Provided supplementary data to existing BMI centile charts.
Conclusions:
- The derived BMI reference values and charts accurately represent the skewed distribution of BMI in pediatric populations.
- These references serve as a valuable tool for assessing growth and nutritional status in children.
- The method provides a robust approach for creating age-specific BMI references.