Growth charts for use in Australia

Growth charts for use in Australia have recently been modified. Changes have been made to both height for age and weight for age charts as well as body mass index for age. The charts are now based on the published CDC 2000 growth data which are more contemporary than the data used to construct the previous charts. A first centile for height for age has been included as this is used as a screening tool for the provision of growth hormone to children in Australia. The calculation of a precise first centile has been possible as the CDC data includes LMS values which have other significant advantages in the creation of the growth charts. It is noteworthy that the most recently collected anthropometric data for weight (and hence body mass index) have not been included in the calculation of these two charts as it was believed that increasing numbers of children who are overweight or obese in the population would skew these charts in an undesirable way. Height velocity for age and other charts remain unchanged.