The new World Health Organization (WHO) growth standards were created with the intention of producing globally applicable growth standards that describe the growth of children as it occurs under optimal nutritional conditions and in the absence of external constraints. In other words, it represents childhood growth as it should be. Children in six countries living in favorable circumstances provided data for the new charts. In addition, data for some subjects at the extremes of weight for height were excluded. The new WHO growth standards, not unexpectedly, differ from other growth charts in a number of ways. Because of the many differences, only a few general statements can be made. (1) During the first 6 months of life, WHO weight and length at all percentiles are larger than weight and length by any other chart. (2) During the second 6 months of life, and continuing through the 2nd year of life, WHO weight (but not length) is lower than weight by other charts. (3) Between 2 and 5 years of age, WHO weight tends to be at the lower end of the spectrum, especially at the lower percentiles, whereas Euro-Growth occupies the top end for weight at all percentiles. (4) Functional assessment shows that the WHO charts identify fewer 1- to 2-year-olds as underweight and more 2- to 5-year-olds as overweight than other charts.

Keywords:
WHO growth standards, Growth charts
This content is only available via PDF.
© 2008 Nestec Ltd., Vevey/S. Karger AG, Basel
2008
Copyright / Drug Dosage / Disclaimer
Copyright: All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be translated into other languages, reproduced or utilized in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, microcopying, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the publisher.
Drug Dosage: The authors and the publisher have exerted every effort to ensure that drug selection and dosage set forth in this text are in accord with current recommendations and practice at the time of publication. However, in view of ongoing research, changes in government regulations, and the constant flow of information relating to drug therapy and drug reactions, the reader is urged to check the package insert for each drug for any changes in indications and dosage and for added warnings and precautions. This is particularly important when the recommended agent is a new and/or infrequently employed drug.
Disclaimer: The statements, opinions and data contained in this publication are solely those of the individual authors and contributors and not of the publishers and the editor(s). The appearance of advertisements or/and product references in the publication is not a warranty, endorsement, or approval of the products or services advertised or of their effectiveness, quality or safety. The publisher and the editor(s) disclaim responsibility for any injury to persons or property resulting from any ideas, methods, instructions or products referred to in the content or advertisements.
You do not currently have access to this content.