Pediatrics
Weight Percentile (WHO): A Parent's Guide
Understand if your child's weight is appropriate for their age and how to spot growth issues early.
What does the weight percentile tell me?
The weight percentile compares your child to 100 other healthy children of the same age and sex. If they are in the 75th percentile, it means they weigh more than 75% of children and less than the remaining 25%. It's not a grade: being in the 50th percentile is not 'better' than being in the 15th or 85th.
Reference Ranges
3rd - 97th Percentile
Normal Range
The vast majority of healthy children fall within this band.
Below 3rd Percentile
Underweight
Requires evaluation to rule out feeding or absorption issues.
Above 97th Percentile
High Weight
May indicate risk of overweight if not aligned with height.
The importance of the curve
More important than today's number is the trend over the last few months. A healthy child usually stays in their lane (growth channel). If your child drops from the 50th to the 15th percentile in a short time, it's a warning sign, even if the values are still 'normal'.
When to consult a pediatrician
If there is objective weight loss, if the curve flattens for several months, or if weight is very disproportionate to height.
Sources
