Pediatricians use growth charts and BMI percentiles to monitor a child’s growth pattern over time. These tools help determine if a child is growing at a healthy rate compared to peers of the same age and sex.

There is no single "normal" weight for a child, as healthy weight varies based on age, height, body composition, genetics, and growth stage. Instead of focusing on a number, pediatricians use growth charts and Body Mass Index (BMI) percentiles to assess whether a child is growing in a healthy way.

For kids and teens with restrictive eating disorders (like anorexia nervosa, ARFID, or OSFED), restoring weight is often a life-saving step. Medical complications like bradycardia, hypotension, loss of menses, or growth delays can emerge quickly when the body doesn’t get enough energy to grow.