Assuring Pediatric Nutrition in the Community

FREQUENTLY USED GUIDELINES:
Assessing Nutritional Status - Anthropometrics and Growth

Weight, stature (length or height) and head circumference
Growth charts
Stature and weight proportionality: weight for stature, Body Mass Index
Other parameters: skinfold and arm circumference measurements
Estimations of stature: arm span, knee height, crown-rump sitting height
Expected weight and stature: height-age, weight-age, expected weight, midparental height
Specialty growth charts
References

What anthropometric parameters are commonly used to assess growth?
Weight, stature, and head circumference are commonly used to assess growth. Stature generally refers to recumbent length measurements for children under 2 to 3 years of age and standing height measurements for children over 2 years of age. Weight should be compared to stature to assess proportionality.

Other measurements used less often than weight and stature include mid arm circumference and triceps skinfold. A child’s measurements should be compared to growth charts to evaluate size in relation to other children and possible nutritional risk.

It is important to use the proper equipment and standard technique when making any measurement. Equipment should be calibrated regularly. See Lohman, et al for a complete description of proper measuring technique and appropriate equipment:

Lohman TG, Roche AF, Martorell R. Anthropometric Standardization Reference Manual. Human Kinetics Publishing. 1988.

The Maternal and Child Health Bureau and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have developed on-line training that includes information about measurement technique.