Growth modeling of school children in Iran using Shiraz data

Centile values and growth charts for height, weight and arm circumference are presented for school children aged six to 12 years in Shiraz [Iran]. The smooth centile values have been derived from the raw data by Healy's nonparametric method. Girls grow faster than boys. Homogeneity of data with population structure and universal rationing imply that these norms are likely to be appropriate to all urban children in Iran. These observations are in favour of using local standards in clinical diagnosis and nutritional screening in order to develop efficient and effective health programmes