Girls BMI chart for Preschoolers 4 years & 9 months old

BMI chart for 4 Years 9 Months girls

How does your child's BMI compare with the typical range for preschool girls?

BMI percentiles for 4 Years 9 Months girls

The CDC growth charts provide the following BMI percentiles for preschool girls at 4 Years 9 Months:

• 5th percentile (underweight threshold): 13.6

• 25th percentile: 14.4

• 50th percentile (median): 15.2

• 75th percentile: 16.1

• 85th percentile (overweight threshold): 16.8

• 95th percentile (obesity threshold): 18.1

The CDC classifies BMI-for-age percentiles for preschool girls as follows: underweight below the 5th percentile, healthy weight between the 5th and 85th percentiles, overweight between the 85th and 95th percentiles, and obese above the 95th percentile.

Percentile rankings compare your child's measurement against CDC reference data for preschool girls. The 50th percentile is the median - the midpoint of all measurements in the reference group.

What to expect at 4 Years 9 Months

Between ages 3 and 5, BMI typically continues its gradual decline toward the adiposity rebound point, which occurs around age 5-6 for most children. This natural drop in BMI during preschool years is entirely normal and does not indicate underweight concerns. At 4 years, healthy BMI sits between the 5th and 85th percentiles on the CDC growth chart, with the median around 16.3.

BMI-for-age as a screening tool

For children aged 2-5, BMI-for-age percentile is a screening tool used alongside clinical assessment. A single reading in the overweight or underweight range is not cause for alarm, but a sustained pattern over multiple checks warrants review. The percentile chart - not the adult BMI categories - is always used for children.

Supporting healthy BMI in preschoolers

The most effective ways to support healthy BMI in preschoolers are offering a varied diet without pressure, ensuring sufficient sleep (10-13 hours per day), and providing daily opportunities for active play and outdoor time. Limiting screen time and sugary drinks makes a meaningful difference at this age.

Frequently asked questions

How is BMI calculated for children?

BMI is calculated using the same formula as for adults: weight (kg) divided by height (m) squared. However, for children and teenagers, the resulting number is not interpreted using adult categories. Instead, it is plotted on a sex- and age-specific percentile chart, because normal BMI values vary significantly with age during childhood and puberty.

Is a high BMI percentile always a problem for a child?

Not necessarily. A single BMI percentile reading above the 85th threshold should trigger further assessment, not alarm. Clinical evaluation considers the full growth history, body composition, diet, activity levels, and family history. Many children who screen in the overweight range on BMI have normal fat levels when properly assessed. A GP or paediatric dietitian can provide appropriate context.

What BMI percentile is considered healthy for children?

For children and teenagers, the healthy BMI range is between the 5th and 85th percentile on the CDC BMI-for-age chart. Below the 5th percentile is classified as underweight; between the 85th and 95th percentile is overweight; above the 95th percentile is obese. These classifications are screening categories used to guide further assessment, not diagnoses in themselves.

Data sources and methodology

The percentile ranges on this page are drawn from CDC growth chart data from the National Center for Health Statistics and WHO Child Growth Standards (for children under 5). CDC data published May 30, 2000, with 2022 extended BMI tables. Percentiles are modelled using the LMS method (Box-Cox transformation), which accounts for the skewed distribution of measurements at each age. All measurements are given in metric units with imperial equivalents.

These percentile ranges provide a population-level reference. A paediatrician or family doctor can give context specific to the individual's own growth trajectory.