Weight charts were made based on information obtained by measuring and weighing thousands of teenagers throughout the nation. From these numbers the national average for weight and height for each age and sex were established and plotted forming an average curved line.

This became the fiftieth percentile curve-this means that 50% of teens would be above the curve, and 50% would be below it.

Then other curves were established representing the 10th, 25th, 75th and 90th percentiles. By definition, 100 out of 1,000 normal teenagers will be at the 10th percentile. Another way of looking at it is that a teenager whose body height falls on the tenth percentile range would be taller than 100 and shorter than 900 children of the same age and sex.  This teen would be below “average”.

If your Teenagers height or weight falls below the 50th percentile, don’t worry!  What is important is that your teenager is consistently in the “normal” range (between the 10th and 90th percentile).  Your doctor may become concerned if your teen is consistently above or below the normal weight chart range for his or her age.

If you are concerned about the results you see after viewing the teenager weight charts, consult your doctor.