Anthropometry for assessment of nutritional status

Anthropometry has been accepted as an important tool for the assessment of nutritional status, particularly of children. Of the various parameters, weight for age, weight for height, arm circumference and height for age, either singly or in combination are extensively used for the purpose. Though local standards of reference are preferred for purposes of comparison, the use of a single international standard for all such as NCHS standards is now recommended to evaluate the nutritional status of children in developing countries. Anthropometric techniques, though apparently simple, require vigorous standardisation and practical training. For surveillance and monitoring malnutrition for long-term periods, the validity of weight for age, with the usual random errors in age data, remains better. For the purpose of assessment of type and duration of malnutrition Waterlow’s classification is recommended.