Final answer:
To determine if Brady's weight falls within the normal range, his BMI should be compared with children's percentile reference values. The 25% to 75% range correlates with a child's growth pattern, which is closely monitored during the first year. Deviations might indicate potential health issues.
Step-by-step explanation:
Understanding whether Brady is within the normal range for weight-for-age involves comparing his Body Mass Index (BMI) against standardized reference values for children of the same age. Obesity in children is diagnosed when the BMI is greater than the 95th percentile of these reference values. Therefore, to assess if Brady's weight at his last doctor visit falls within the 25% to 75% normal range, his BMI must be calculated and compared to these percentile reference values.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), a BMI between 18-24.9 is considered a normal weight, 25-29.9 is overweight, and greater than 30 is obese. These ranges help in assessing children's risk for related health issues, such as type 2 diabetes and heart disease, as well as the impact of weight trends in children today compared to earlier generations.
Moreover, a baby's growth pattern in the first year is critical, with regular measurements taken to ensure that the baby is growing at a normal rate. Any deviations, either too slow or too fast, could indicate potential health concerns that might need attention.