Table 4

BMI by WHO z-scores and NHS/CDC percentiles by weaning group*

Baby-led group (n=63)Spoon-fed group (n=63)
WHO z-score
−31 (1.6%)0 (0%)
−22 (3.2%)0 (0%)
−15 (7.9%)3 (4.8%)
039 (61.9%)40 (63.5%)
115 (23.8%)12 (19.0%)
21 (1.6%)8 (12.7%)
30 (0%)0 (0%)
NHS percentiles
 Underweight (<2)3 (4.7%)0 (0%)
 Healthy weight (2–90)51 (81.0%)53 (84.1%)
 Overweight (91–97)9 (14.3%)2 (3.2%)
 Obese (98+)0 (0%)8 (12.7%)
CDC percentiles
 Underweight (0–4)6 (9.5%)1 (1.6%)
 Healthy weight (5–85)49 (77.8%)47 (74.6%)
 Overweight (86–95)7 (12.7%)8 (12.7%)
 Obese (96+)1 (1.6%)7 (11.1%)
  • * Most participants had a BMI in the average/healthy range across measures.

  • WHO have suggested a set of cut-offs based on single SD spacing. Thinness: less than −2SD, overweight: between +1SD and less than +2SD, obese: more than +2SD.

  • BMI, body mass index; CDC, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; NHS, National Health Service.