BMI screening in children begins at what age?

• A. At birth
• B. Over 2 years of age
• C. 18 years
• D. All ages equally

Answer: (B)

BMI screening in children uses growth charts that are validated for ages 2 through 19. Before age 2, weight-for-length is the preferred measure because infants’ body proportions change rapidly, making BMI less reliable for identifying overweight or obesity. Therefore routine BMI screening starts around the second birthday and continues annually through adolescence to monitor growth patterns and identify those at risk. Birth is too early for BMI percentiles, and the pediatric approach isn’t applied all the way through adulthood, which is why older ages or a universal all-ages approach aren’t appropriate.