BODY-MASS INDEX REFERENCE CURVES FOR CHINESE CHILDREN

The Hong Kong Growth Survey 1993 provided data for the construction of reference curves for body mass index (BMI) of Chinese children from b irth to 18 years. Data on weight and height was obtained from 11797 bo ys and 12168 girls. The LMS method was used to smooth the percentile c urves. These curves showed a definite physiological rising pattern to a peak at 6 months, then fell to a trough at 6 years, before another r ise towards adulthood. Compared to published reports from the US, Brit ain, France and Sweden, Hong Kong Chinese children, particularly the g irls, were less obese. Ln the first 2 pears median curves of Hong Kong Chinese were similar to those of the Japanese.