Obesity in 2–5 year olds is defined as BMI at or above which percentile?

• A. BMI above the 99th percentile.
• B. BMI at or above the 95th percentile.
• C. BMI between the 50th and 75th percentile.
• D. BMI between the 75th and 85th percentile.

Answer: (B)

In young children, obesity is defined by how their BMI compares to peers of the same age and sex using reference percentiles. A BMI at or above the 95th percentile for age and sex is the cutoff that defines obesity in 2–5 year olds. This threshold separates obesity from overweight (which sits between the 85th and 95th percentile) and from normal weight (generally below the 85th percentile). The 95th percentile captures significant excess weight for age and signals the need for early lifestyle interventions and counseling. A BMI at the 99th percentile would indicate an even higher level of excess weight but is not the official definition for obesity.