What percentile is used to classify class I obesity in children?

Class I obesity in children is classified using the 95th percentile of the body mass index (BMI) for age and sex. This classification stems from the CDC growth charts, which provide a standard reference for pediatric populations.

When a child's BMI is at or above the 95th percentile for their age and sex, they are considered to have class I obesity. This percentile was chosen as it reflects a significant deviation from the average BMI, indicating a higher risk of obesity-related health issues.

In contrast, using the 85th or 100th percentiles would not accurately capture the same level of health risks associated with obesity. The 85th percentile is typically associated with overweight status rather than obesity, while the 100th percentile would include a small fraction of the population, making it impractical for defining obesity categories. Thus, the 95th percentile is the established threshold for identifying class I obesity in children, guiding clinicians in assessing and managing weight-related health concerns.