Anthropometric Indices

Weight, stature, length and head circumference are commonly used to assess size and growth. When any of these measures are combined with age or length/stature the result is an anthropometric index (for example, weight-for-age). The CDC Growth Charts reflect five anthropometric indices that are gender specific.

	BMI-for-age is an anthropometric index of weight and height combined with age. BMI-for-age is used to classify children and adolescents as underweight, overweight, or at risk of overweight.
	Stature/length-for-age describes linear growth relative to age. Stature- or length-for-age is used to define shortness or tallness.
	Weight-for-age reflects body weight relative to age and is influenced by recent changes in health or nutritional status. It is not used to classify infants, children and adolescents as under or overweight. However, it is important in early infancy for monitoring weight and helping explain changes in weight-for-length and BMI-for-age in older children.
	Weight-for-length/stature reflects body weight relative to length and requires no knowledge of age. It is an indicator to classify infants and young children as overweight and underweight.
	Head circumference-for-age is critical during infancy and can be charted up to 36 months of age. Head circumference measurements reflect brain size.