Main Reference Data Page

Body Composition Comparison Data

Body Mass Index (BMI)

Here is a simple BMI calculator you can use, along with a discussion on the use of BMI. BMI is calculated as Weight/Height², with weight in kilograms and height in meters. Percentile data is provided for comparison.

Helpful conversions:

To convert pounds to kilograms divide by 2.2
To convert inches to meters multiply by 0.0254

Growth Charts

It is often useful to review a child's development and compare it to the normal population. These growth charts are based on data from the National Center for Health Statistics and display weight and height for boys and girls.

Note: This application is written in Java™, version 1.3. You may be prompted to download and install the appropriate Java plug-in if it is not already on your system. If you do need the plug in, you may find it easier to install if you access this page via Microsoft's Internet Explorer, which guides you through the process fairly easily.

For additional bodycomp measurement comparisons working with DXA data, use the tools below (registered users only).

These tools are similar to the DXA tools accessible from the main intro page that are based on NHANES reference data . The references provided in this section include Lumber Spine and Hip comparisons, while the NHANES references do not. In addition, the age range for the Whole Body scans is wider here. The NHANES references, however, are based on a nationwide data set, and provide some soft tissue comparisons (fat and lean mass). The tools accessed below use a locally acquired reference population, and only provide comparisons for bone.

Body Composition Parameters - Z-Score Calculators

The following section of the site is available to registered users only, and provides access to comparisons for parameters such as bone mineral density. Data is applied much like that in the BMI section above. You may wish to review that section.

If you would like to have access to this section, please email us (click the 'register' button below) and provide the following information: name, address, institutional affiliation, and reasons for using these z-score tools. You will then receive the required password and more detailed instructions for using the calculators.

The data provided here is based on studies done at the Body Composition Laboratory of the Children's Nutrition Research Center, and from documentation available in publications. Individual results, when compared to other children, can be affected by many factors such as the parents' body sizes and the child's level of physical maturity. Thus, this software should not be used for medical diagnostic or treatment purposes. Additionally, the authors and their affiliated institutions are not liable for any damages to users or third parties arising from the use of this software.

This software is protected under international copyright law. Unauthorized duplication or distribution is a violation of copyright. Entering this section of the web site implies acceptance of the conditions stated above.