Abstract
Body mass index (BMI) is defined as weight (kg)/height2 (m2). Differences in BMI percentiles between sexes confound the diagnosis of weight-related disorders in transgender youth because choosing the appropriate chart is challenging. Data on BMI measures are needed for transgender youth, but there are no guidelines on how to collect or report this data. We use two theoretical cases to assert that health care providers and researchers should consider use of both male and female growth charts for transgender youth, particularly for individuals at the extremes of weight.
Highlights
Growth charts were developed by the Centers for Disease Control for use in the United States in 1977, and were subsequently revised in 2000 using data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES).[1]
The charts differ in the range of expected norms between male and female children with the female chart having a wider span at the extremes of weight (Fig. 1).[1]
As an example of the potential complexity of using gendered Body mass index (BMI) percentile growth charts, we describe two theoretical cases that illustrate the need to consider using growth charts that correspond to both affirmed gender and sex assigned at birth
Summary
Gendered Body Mass Index Percentile Charts and Transgender Youth: Making the Case to Change Charts. Sequeira,[1] Cherie Priya Dhar,[2] Gerald T. Montano,[1] Selma Feldman Witchel,[3] and Dana Rofey[4]
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