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  • Page | Last updated: 24 Mar 2025
Most commonly used definitions of overweight and obesity in children
Health Promotion Knowledge Gateway

Most commonly used definitions of overweight and obesity in children

ThresholdsAge groupIndicatorsDefinition
WHO Child Growth standards ( WHO 2006 ; WHO 2021a  )<5 years oldweight-for-height
  • Overweight:  >2s.d.a above the median
  • Obesity: >3s.d. above the median
WHO Growth Reference data ( WHO 2021a  ; WHO 2007a  )5-19 years oldBMI-for-age
  • Overweight: >1s.d. above the median
  • Obesity: >2s.d. above the median
Extended International (IOTF) cut-offs for Thinness, Overweight and Obesity in Children ( World Obesity 2023 )2-18 years oldBMI-for-age


Age- and sex-specific cut-offs that correspond to the following BMI cut-offs at 18 years:

  • Overweight: ≥25kg/m2
  • Obesity: ≥30 kg/m2

a standard deviation(s)