Anthropometric reference data for children and adults: U.S. population, 1999-2002.

This report presents national anthropometric reference data based on health examination survey results from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), 1999-2002, for all ages of the U.S. population. Weighted population means, standard errors of the means, and selected percentiles are presented for the total U.S. population by sex, race or ethnic group, and age in years or age group. Findings for some population groups are reported in a way that is comparable with results reported from National Health Examination Surveys (NHES) and NHANES conducted between 1960 and 1994. These data add to the knowledge about trends in child growth and development and are used to monitor prevalent conditions in the U.S. population such as overweight and obesity.